D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 28, r. 28-5004
Following investigation or autopsy, the CME shall release the body of the decedent to the person having the right to the body for the purpose of burial or other disposition pursuant to law.
Bodies which are unidentified or unclaimed after a period of fifteen (15) days following reception at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shall be released to an educational institution for the purpose of transplantation, therapy, research, or education pursuant to law, shall be cremated, or otherwise disposed of according to law.
Only the CME shall dispose of unclaimed bodies in the District without a next of kin or other means of disposition.
Clearances by the CME shall be required for all deaths occurring in the District of Columbia for which cremations are requested regardless of where the cremation will occur.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 28, r. 28-5004