IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County Healthcare System says there is nothing unique about its decision to discontinue autopsy services, a move criticized by some law enforcement and county officials.

After Sheriff Scott Rutter told the county board Monday the situation has been mishandled, DCHS public relations director Joe Rizzo on Tuesday offered the following statement:

“To bring clarity to the situation, most Upper Peninsula health care organizations have discontinued these services because they are not part of the core health care services required in these communities.

“Dickinson County Healthcare System had been operating pathology services for the county without a contract. Void of any contract requiring us to perform pathology services and lacking reasonable volume to control costs, we made a decision in the best interest of the hospital to outsource pathology services to Medical Lab Associates of Marquette.”

The county has clear options to fulfill necessary pathology services when the need does arise, Rizzo said, such as:

— Complete medical exams and autopsies at local funeral homes.

— Utilize comprehensive services in Marquette.

— The county medical examiner can choose to perform these services at other facilities.

In hiring Medical Lab Associates, DCHS has ended its contract with hospital pathologist Dr. Martin Cristanelli. Traditionally, by county appointment, the pathologist serves a dual role as county medical examiner, investigating deaths that are suspicious, unexpected, accidental or violent.

Cristanelli still has the medical examiner position but now is without a local medical facility, according to county officials.

The county board, which has asked for more time in finding another facility, wants to schedule a meeting with the DCHS board in an attempt to resolve the issue.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.