1. (a) This section does not apply to the disposition of a body by a school of medicine or dentistry.

2. (b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person may not cremate or initiate alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction of a body until it has been identified by:

   1. (1) The next of kin;
   2. (2) A person who is authorized to arrange for final disposition of the body under §§ 5-508 through 5-512 of this subtitle; or
   3. (3) A medical examiner.
3. (c) If a person who is authorized to arrange for final disposition of a body is not available to identify the body and authorize cremation, reduction by alkaline hydrolysis, or natural organic reduction, that person may delegate that authority to another person by sending to the delegate an electronic communication that contains the name, address, and relationship of the sender to the deceased and the name and address of the individual to whom authority is delegated. Written authorization shall follow by mail but does not take precedence over the electronic communication authorizing the identification and cremation.

Added by Acts 1982, c. 21, § 2, eff. July 1, 1982. Amended by Acts 1994, c. 517, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1994; Acts 1995, c. 517, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1995; Acts 2006, c. 485, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2006; Acts 2024, c. 599, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024; Acts 2024, c. 600, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024.

Formerly Art. 43, §§ 367B, 367D.