Who can authorize a cremation?
A much-needed Maryland law, passed in 1994, spelled out family rights and responsibilities in mortuary disposition decisions. As a result, advance directives given by the deceased before death are legally paramount. Anyone 18 or older may decide whether or not his or her body will be cremated after death. Those wishes should be put in writing and the signature witnessed. When there is no advance directive, the decision regarding disposition falls to the next of kin. All close relatives should be consulted. The funeral director can help answer any questions that may come up. Maryland law also specifies that cremation may not occur within twelve hours of death, or until the body has been identified. In addition, the crematory requires that any pacemaker, prosthesis, or other mechanical or radioactive device or implant be removed prior to cremation.
Advance directives given by the deceased before death are legally paramount. Anyone 18 or older may decide whether or not his or her body will be cremated after death. Those wishes should be put in writing and the signature witnessed. When there is no advance directive, the decision regarding disposition falls to the next of kin. All close relatives should be consulted. The funeral director can help answer any questions that may come up. Maryland law also specifies that cremation may not occur within twelve hours of death, or until the body has been identified. In addition, the crematory requires that any pacemaker or other mechanical or radioactive device or implant be removed prior to cremation.
