Arkansas Code
Subchapter 3 - Records Generally
§ 20-18-302. Persons required to keep records

(a)
(1) Every person in charge of an institution as defined in this chapter shall keep a record of personal data concerning each person admitted or confined to the institution.
(2) The record shall include such information as required by the certificates of birth and death and the reports of fetal death and induced termination of pregnancy forms required by this chapter.
(3) The record shall be made at the time of admission from information provided by the person being admitted or confined, but when it cannot be so obtained, the information shall be obtained from relatives or other persons acquainted with the facts. The name and address of the person providing the information shall be a part of the record.

(b) When a dead body is released or disposed of by an institution, the person in charge of the institution shall keep a record showing the name of the decedent, date of death, name and address of the person to whom the dead body or fetus is released, and date of removal from the institution or if finally disposed of by the institution, the date, place, and manner of disposition shall be recorded.
(c) A funeral director, embalmer, sexton, or other person who removes from the place of death or transports or finally disposes of a dead body or fetus, in addition to filing any certificate or other report required by this chapter or rules promulgated under this chapter, shall keep a record which shall identify the dead body, and such information pertaining to the receipt, removal, and delivery of the dead body as may be required in rules adopted by the State Board of Health.
(d) Records maintained under this section shall be retained for a period of not less than one (1) year and shall be made available for inspection by the State Registrar of Vital Records or his or her representative upon demand.

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