§ 20-18-604 — Final disposition of dead body or fetus

(a) The funeral director or the person acting as the funeral director who first assumes custody of a dead body shall obtain authorization for final disposition of the dead body as provided in the rules. (b) Prior to final disposition of a dead fetus, irrespective of the duration of pregnancy, the funeral director, the person in charge of the institution, or other person assuming responsibility for final disposition of the fetus shall obtain from the parents authorization for final disposition on a form prescribed by the State Registrar of Vital Records. (c) With the consent of the physician or State Medical Examiner or county coroner, who is to certify the cause of death, a dead body may be moved from the place of death for the purpose of being prepared for final disposition. (d) An authorization for final disposition issued under the law of another state which accompanies a dead body or fetus brought into this state shall be authority for final disposition of the dead body or fetus in this state. (e) Authorization for disinterment and reinterment shall be required prior to disinterment of a dead body or fetus. The authorization shall be issued by the state registrar to a licensed funeral director or person acting as such upon proper application.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1978, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1981, No. 120, § 17; A.S.A. 1947, § 82-517; Acts 1989, No. 396, § 4; 1995, No. 1254, § 28.