Fatality Review

Mental Health Fatality Review panel

Jacquelyn Christmas, Fatality Review Coordinator, provides ongoing coordination and communication with the Mental Health Fatality Review Panel.

The Mental Health Fatality Review Panel is currently in the development phase. RSMo 630.925 directs the Department to establish a mental health fatality review panel to review deaths of all adults in the care and custody of DMH.

The Mental Health Fatality Review Panel will be composed of a prosecuting or circuit attorney; a coroner or medical examiner; law enforcement personnel; a representative from the departments of mental health, social services, health and senior services and public safety; and a representative of the Missouri Protection and Advocacy. Additionally three (3) public members will serve, including a family member, a consumer and a community provider.

The Mental Health Fatality Review Panel will meet at least quarterly and will review suspicious deaths such as deaths in which a crime occurred; an accident occurred; a medical prognosis has not been ascertained; or a person in the Department’s care and custody has died unexpectedly.

Email the Fatality Review Coordinator at fatalityreviewpanel@dmh.mo.gov.