By Tammy Gray Navajo County Health District Director Dr. Wade Kartchner will retire on May 3 and resume work with the county on May 4 under a one-year contract for consultation services. The board of supervisors approved the contract during a meeting on April 22. Under the terms of the contract, Kartchner will provide consultation and alternate medical examiner services for the county in exchange for $6,000 per month for one year, or a total of $72,000. In addition to the monthly pay, Kartchner will receive a flat fee of $750 per external examination as the alternate medical examiner, $400 for each record review and $25 for each cremation authorization. A lengthy list of duties as a medical consultant is included in the contract, including developing standards of care and standing medical orders for the health department; providing medical consultation for public health emergency preparedness and emergencies, disease surveillance and investigation, vital records, animal control issues, including rabies, and environmental health; serve as the medical director for the jail and juvenile detention center; and continue as the provider of record for certain government health programs. In addition, Kartchner’s duties as alternative medical examiner include formulating and implementing policies, performing external examinations and record reviews, directing medical investigators and authorizing all cremations. District III Supervisor Sylvia Allen noted that the long list of duties does not make it appear as though Kartchner is retiring. Assistant Health District Director Mary Tyler noted that the health district staff will provide all necessary support during the transition. A memo to the board noted that contracting with Kartchner is expected to result in a cost savings. According to an Arizona Association of Counties salary survey, Kartchner’s current annual salary is $106,030, plus benefits. Under the contract, Kartchner will be responsible for providing his own liability insurance.