10- 146 C.M.R. ch. 1, § 6

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 146-1-6 - Temporary Storage of Dead Bodies

A. Storage

Storage of dead bodies for eight months or less in vaults or other structures constructed for this purpose is not regarded as final disposition and removal of such bodies is not disinterment. If a body has been stored for more than eight months, a permit for disinterment must be obtained prior to removal from the vault.

B. Death certificate

When a dead body is to be stored more than 14 days, the death certificate shall show the disposition of the body as "entombment". The date of entombment shall be entered as the date of disposition. The place and location of entombment shall be entered as the name and location of "cemetery or crematory".

C. Permit

1. A burial-transit permit is required when a dead body is to be stored more than 14 days. The municipal clerk orsubregistrar shall issue a burial-transit permit for temporary storage at the request of the funeral director or authorized person.

2. The funeral director or authorized person shall present the burial-transit permit to the person in charge of the vault when the body is placed in the vault.

3. The person in charge of the vault shall endorse the burial-transit permit and return it to the funeral director or authorized person to retain for use when the dead body is removed for final disposition as specified in §2 and sub-§ B.

D. Transportation

Regulations regarding the transportation of dead bodies shall apply to bodies removed from temporary storage.

10- 146 C.M.R. ch. 1, § 6