Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Ryan Hatfield (D-Evansville) that is designed to ensure that Indiana hospitals use the best possible practices when handling autopsies.

House Enrolled Act 1571, which takes effect July 1, extends the ability of hospital peer review committees to review all autopsies conducted at a facility. These committees — made up of health care professionals and hospital personnel – are designed to evaluate the quality of care at hospitals.

“This act will allow county coroners to make autopsy reports available to the peer review committee at the hospital where the decedent was treated immediately before death,” Hatfield said. “It will enable health care professionals to learn what has happened with each person, and find out if there is any additional information that can help them make better preventative care decisions.

“I am very appreciative of the help and input I received from my colleague State Rep. Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) on this legislation,” he continued. “This is a logical step forward in making sure that hospitals provide the best possible environments for safe and productive health care.”

The University of Evansville will begin a day-long celebration of diversity with a dedication ceremony for the newly finished Diversity House. The dedication will take place on Tuesday, April 25 on the first floor of Ridgway University Center at 1:00 p.m. and tours of the home, located at 434 Weinbach Avenue, will begin at 2:00 p.m. or immediately following the ceremony.

The University of Evansville is committed to inclusion and the broadened commitment to promoting a more integral understanding of differences. The Diversity House is a physical reminder that UE stands behind this commitment. It is a safe space for students to gather and is equipped with technology and materials to facilitate collaboration and inclusion. There are both work spaces and game spaces as well as a fully functioning kitchen for social gatherings and more.

Those speaking at the ceremony will include: Thomas Kazee, UE’s president; Bob Jones, CEO of Old National Bank and member of the UE board of trustees diversity committee; Larry Roscoe, Reverend of the Church of the Nazarene and member of the UE board of trustees diversity committee; and Erika Taylor, CEO of the YWCA Evansville. Additionally, Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will read a special proclamation for the day. Individuals will be available for interviews following the ceremony.

The diversity house dedication will kick off a day-long schedule of events for the YWCA’s “Stand Against Racism” day. Community members are invited to take a stand with the YWCA for peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The full schedule of events is as follows:

• 1:00-2:00 p.m. – UE’s Diversity House Dedication and Mayoral Proclamation
• 2:00-3:00 p.m. – Tours of Diversity House, located at 434 Weinbach Avenue
• 3:00-6:00 p.m. – Visit information tables
• 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Open mic at the free speech podium
• 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Panel discussion on race
• 5:00-6:00 p.m. – Open mic at the free speech podium
• 6:00 p.m. – Screening of the film 13th, followed by a discussion

All events following the dedication ceremony will be held outside of Ridgway University Center. In the event of rain, events will be moved inside to the first floor of Ridgway University Center.