Priority in the delivery of consent for postmortem examination:
(1) the deceased during her/is lifetime
(2) the decedent's spouse
(3) an adult child, or if more than one, a majority of adult children available within a reasonable period of time
(4) parents
(5) an adult sibling, or if more than one, a majority of adult siblings available within a reasonable period of time
(6) another relative who assumes custody of the body for burial
(7) guardian
(8) friend of the deceased
Criteria for progression beyond decedent's spouse:
(1) spouse deceased
(2) address of the surviving spouse is unknown or outside of the United States
(3) the surviving spouse is physically or mentally unable or incapable of giving consent
(4) the decedent was separated and living apart from the surviving spouse
Friend of the deceased: must meet all of the following criteria:
(1) a person who maintained regular contact with the deceased person
(2) a person familiar with the deceased person's activities, health and religious beliefs at the time of the deceased person's death
(3) a person who assumes custody of the body for burial
(4) a person authorized by written instrument executed by the decedent to make burial arrangements
Valid permit:
(1) Consent is given by a person in the order above who is of sound mind and 18 years of age or older.
(2) Written instrument including telegram or cablegram executed by that person or on her/is behalf at his/er expressed direction.
(3) Properly witnessed.
