This bill amends existing laws regarding the procedures for cremation and the medical certification of death records in New Hampshire. Key changes include the removal of the requirement for a medical examiner to have viewed the deceased within 24 hours of death, as indicated by the deletion of the phrase "viewed the body and" and the insertion of "an inquiry" in the context of medical examiner responsibilities. The bill stipulates that a medical examiner must conduct an inquiry and issue a certificate before cremation can occur, whether the death occurred within the state or outside of it. Additionally, it modifies the documentation protocols for cremation, requiring that a copy of the death certificate and burial permit be presented to the medical examiner.

The fiscal impact of this bill is projected to reduce General Fund expenditures by an estimated $100,000 to $500,000 annually, primarily due to decreased travel reimbursements associated with the elimination of mandatory body views when sufficient medical evidence is available. The bill is a response to requests from the Department of Justice and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, aiming to streamline the cremation process while ensuring that necessary medical inquiries are still conducted. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 325-A:18, 5-C:71, 5-C:64
Version adopted by both bodies: 325-A:18, 5-C:71, 5-C:64