1198: Modernizing the Data Behind Death Investigations

Medical examiners and coroners sit at a critical intersection of public health, health care, law enforcement, and vital statistics, generating data that can provide important insight into why people die. Dan Tauriello, senior analyst for public health data modernization and informatics at ASTHO, explains how modernizing data systems in medical examiner and coroner offices can improve efficiency, strengthen connections with public health, and create better access to timely information.  Tauriello discusses the importance of interoperability and common standards, including FHIR, as well as the often-overlooked challenge of getting public health agencies, medical examiners, coroners, software vendors, and other partners speaking the same language. Even relatively small improvements in the time required to process an individual case can add up to hundreds of hours of work saved each year.Vital Insights: Medical Examiners and Coroners... : Journal of Public Health Management & PracticeData Modernization Primer and Tactical Guides | ASTHOLeading Change October 2026