Relating to the requirements for appointment as a medical examiner or employment as an assistant or deputy medical examiner.

HB 5383 sets new certification and licensing requirements for medical examiners and deputy medical examiners in Texas. It requires medical examiners to hold certification in forensic pathology from the American Board of Pathology and be either a Texas-licensed physician or meet specific criteria for a provisional license. Deputy medical examiners must also hold this certification. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, but full compliance is required only starting January 1, 2026. This directly affects individuals appointed to or employed in these forensic pathology roles within Texas county medical examiner offices.