Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 38 - Medical Examiners and Inquests
Section 14 - Bodies Intended for Cremation or Burial at Sea; Authorization; Fees

[See Order of the Commissioner of Public Health, dated March 23, 2020, (2019 MA EO H20-9) related to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, for potential impact on the terms of this section.]
Section 14. A medical examiner or forensic investigator designated by the chief medical examiner shall, on payment of a fee as determined from time to time by the secretary of public safety, which shall be not less than $75, view the body and make personal inquiry concerning the cause and manner of death of any person whose body is intended for cremation or burial at sea and shall authorize such cremation or burial at sea only when no further examination or judicial inquiry concerning such death is necessary. Said fee shall be paid by the person to whom such authorization for cremation or burial at sea is given. Cremation fees collected by the office of the chief medical examiner shall be utilized to support the comprehensive system of medico-legal investigative services delivered by the agency. District medical examiners employed on a fee-for-service basis shall be compensated for performance of cremation views at a rate set by the secretary of public safety. Other medical examiners or forensic investigators performing cremation views will not receive additional compensation beyond their specified salaries.

Structure Massachusetts General Laws