The state had been accredited for 18 consecutive years, the association's executive director, Denise McNally, said Wednesday. McNally said the group has accredited 58 jurisdictions.

The accrediting agency detected an excessive number of deficiencies, according to a letter sent by Dr. Jeffrey M. Jentzen, chairman of the National Association of Medical Examiners' inspections and accreditation committee.

"It should be noted that the majority of the deficiencies were related to the facility and staffing," the letter states. "The inspector recognized the quality of work done by your dedicated staff, when death investigations and autopsy pathology are performed, despite the deficiencies."

Dr. Collie M. Trant, who became the state's chief medical examiner in May, said the failing grade is the result of underfunding, a lack of staffing, poor equipment and facilities.

The agency received 22 Phase II deficiencies. To be accredited, it can have none. It received 19 Phase I deficiencies. To be accredited, there have to be fewer than 10. The accrediting officer noted an excessive workload for the staff.

The agency has been the subject of a probe by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the state's multicounty grand jury. It has also drawn the ire of some lawmakers, who have suggested the agency be moved into the OSBI or Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Trant said those suggestions indicate a lack of appreciation for the problems the agency faces and how they should be remedied.

"It is no secret that I have expressed concern for several years now regarding a variety of issues within the Medical Examiner's Office," said Senate Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

Coffee added, "While the office has made a couple of key personnel and board changes in recent weeks, we will reserve judgment until more investigation is completed. I won't jump to any conclusions until I've had a chance to study the report. We will surely continue to push for more reform in this important office as we move forward."