Subject to the approval of the director of the division of health, the chief medical examiner may, in order to provide for the investigation of the cause of death as authorized in this article, employ and pay qualified pathologists and toxicologists to make autopsies and such pathological and chemical studies and investigations as he or she considers necessary, in the several counties or regions of the state and he or she may arrange for the use of existing laboratory facilities for such purposes. Qualified pathologists shall hold board certification or board eligibility in forensic pathology or have completed an American board of pathology fellowship in forensic pathology.