This bill modifies existing laws regarding the cremation of deceased individuals and the medical certification of death records. Specifically, it amends RSA 325-A:18, I to remove the requirement that a medical examiner must have "viewed the body" and conducted a "view" before issuing a certificate for cremation. Instead, the bill allows the medical examiner to conduct an inquiry into the cause and manner of death without the necessity of viewing the body, provided that the death occurred within the state. Additionally, it clarifies that if a body is being transferred out of state for cremation, the medical examiner must still conduct an inquiry and issue a certificate before the transfer can occur.

Furthermore, the bill updates RSA 5-C:71, I to eliminate the requirement for presenting a burial permit "with the body" to a medical examiner when obtaining a medical examiner's certificate for cremation. It also revises RSA 5-C:64, VI to remove the stipulation that the individual determining the cause of death must have "viewed the deceased within 24 hours after death." These changes aim to streamline the processes involved in death certification and cremation while ensuring that necessary inquiries are still conducted by medical examiners. The bill is set to 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
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 325-A:18, 5-C:71, 5-C:64