OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Officials say the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office has lost its accreditation because of problems with staffing levels and facilities.

Cherokee Ballard, a spokeswoman for the agency, says it's the first time she's aware of that the Medical Examiner's Office has failed accreditation.

A letter sent by the chairman of the National Association of Medical Examiners says that death investigations and autopsies are of a high quality but that there are deficiencies with staffing and the facility.

Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Collie M. Trant says the failing grade is because of underfunding, low staffing levels, poor equipment and facilities.