KANSAS CORONER
AND
MEDICOLEGAL DEATH INVESTIGATION CONFERENCE 2026
This comprehensive conference covers death investigation from cradle to grave, highlighting proper scene investigation documentation and photography for all ages of decedents. Participants will develop a thorough understanding of key developmental and growth milestones in infants, thus providing a framework for identification of abnormalities that warrant further investigation. At the other end of the spectrum, participants will be able to identify signs of abuse and neglect in the elder population. Many elder deaths go unseen by law enforcement and other death investigation personnel. By applying the refined interviewing techniques, they will be better equipped to obtain comprehensive and reliable details that contribute to the overall quality of investigations. Participants will become up-to-date on the latest trends in illicit opioids, especially nitazenes. The audience will also explore the ways in which an anthropologist’s expertise provides valuable insights into both simple and complex skeletal remains cases.
OBJECTIVES At the completion of this program, participants should be able to:
- Identify normal developmental and growth milestones in infants.
- Identify various aspects of interviewing psychology, learning methods of interviewing witnesses and next-of-kin.
- Identify what is important to photograph, examine, and document when conducting scene investigations, for both adults and children.
- Describe nitazenes and other current opioid drug trends.
- Describe the role of an anthropologist in a death investigation.
- Learn how to recognize cases of elder abuse and/or neglect.
All participants requesting continuing education credit, or a certificate of attendance must complete documentation of attendance and evaluation form online within the timeframe noted.
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by University of Kansas Medical Center and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. University of Kansas Medical Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
PHYSICIANS:
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
The University of Kansas Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Approved for 6 ABMDI credit hours.
All others will receive a certificate of attendance.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The University of Kansas is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY We accommodate persons with disabilities. Please call KU Medical Center AHEC at (620) 670-5272 to discuss your needs.
AGENDA
- 8 - 8:30 a.m. - Registration/Sign In
- 8:30 - 8:45 a.m. - CE Info and Welcome
- 8:45 - 10:45 a.m - SUID: All Things Considered Kevin Cleghorn, D-ABMDI
- 10:45 - 11 a.m. - Break
- 11 a.m. - Noon - Caught by the Dragon: Investigating Opioid Overdose Deaths Tyson Baird, PhD Harley Schainost, MD
- 12 - 12:30 p.m. - LUNCH
- 12:30 - 2 p.m. - Forensic Anthropology's Contribution to Medicolegal Death Investigations Alexandra Klales, PhD
- 2 - 2:15 p.m. - Break
- 2:15 - 3:15 p.m. - Identifying Elder Abuse in the Healthcare Setting Joshua Bollan, MD
- 3:15 - 3:45 p.m. - Round Table Discussion Diane Peterson, MD Alexandra Klales, Phd Tyson Baird, PhD Harley Schainost, MD Kevin Cleghorn, D-ABMDI Joshua Bollan, MD
- 3:45 - 4 p.m. - Closing Comments
REGISTRATION can be made by one of the following methods: Phone: Call (620) 670-5272 Online:
https://www.eeds.com/live/870391 *Seating is limited, and preregistration is required by 5 p.m.,
August 5, 2026.
HOTEL BLOCK RATE is $149.00 plus taxes and can be reserved by using this direct link Hilton Garden Inn or by calling 785-309-0440 and providing the code 90b. Rooms are limited. Rate is valid until July 16, 2026.
CONFERENCE FEE
Early Bird Rate - $80.00 on or before July 15, 2026
Regular Rate - $105 beginning July 16, 2026.
Cancellation deadline is 5 p.m. on August 5, 2026.
Cancellations received at least 14 days prior to the event will be eligible for a refund of 50% of your registration fee. Cancellations received after August 5, 2026, will not be eligible for a refund. Registration fees are not transferable to any other attendee or to future events.
