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File #: 26-87    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Informational Report Status: Passed
File created: 1/27/2026 In control: Sheriff
On agenda: 3/3/2026 Final action: 3/3/2026
Title: Approval of the Professional Services Agreement for Autopsy Services with Neil Kushner, M.D.
Attachments: 1. Staff Report, 2. Professional Services Agreement with Neil Kushner, M.D., 3. Executed - Professional Services Agreement with Neil Kushner, M.D.

To: Board of Supervisors

From: Sheriff

Agenda Section: Consent

Vote Requirement: Majority

SUBJECT:
title
Approval of the Professional Services Agreement for Autopsy Services with Neil Kushner, M.D.
end

RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement between Neil Kushner, M.D. and the County of Humboldt (Attachment 1) to provide autopsy services for fiscal years (FY) 2025-26 and 2026-27; and
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board to execute any and all subsequent amendments or extensions to the attached Agreement with Dr. Kushner after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office.

Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board's Strategic Plan.

Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other

DISCUSSION:
The Humboldt County Coroner's Office partners with providers to ensure that autopsies are performed as needed. Currently, Dr. Kushner is the only local provider willing to provide general autopsies. Dr. Kushner has worked reliably with the county for years.

SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund (1100-272)

FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Expenditures (1100-272)
FY25-26

FY26-27 Projected*
Budgeted Expenses
$150,000.00
$150,000.00
Additional Appropriation Requested
$0
$0
Total Expenditures
$150,000.00
$150,000.00
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Funding Sources (1100-272)
FY25-26
FY26-27
Projected*
General Fund
$150,000.00
$150,000.00
Total Funding Sources
$150,000.00
$150,000.00
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.

Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The compensation to Dr. Kushner for his services will remain the same as his previous contract and are $800.00 per autopsy, $250.00 per external exam and written report of findings, $150.00 for chart reviews, $50.00 per telephone consultation and $150.00 per hour for court testimon...

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