R436-8-1. Removal of Body

Before removing a dead body or fetus from the place of death, the funeral director or person acting as such shall:

(a) Obtain permission from the next of kin or the custodian of the remains to remove the body or fetus from the place of death, and obtain assurance from the attending physician that death is from natural causes, and that the physician will assume responsibility for certifying to the cause of death or fetal death.

(b) Determine whether or not the medical examiner has been notified, if the death comes within his jurisdiction. If the medical examiner has not been notified or if that fact is unknown, make the notification and obtain authorization to remove the body.

(c) When the dead body or fetus is being removed from the hospital or other place of death by the next of kin or other person acting as the funeral director, the hospital or other custodian of the body shall not release the body until they are presented with a burial-transit permit issued by the appropriate local registrar or the state registrar.