South Dakota Codified Laws
Chapter 26A - Crematories And Cremations
Section 34-26A-31 - Refusal to accept body or perform cremation--When crematory authority not liable--Court order or resolution of dispute.

34-26A-31. Refusal to accept body or perform cremation--When crematory authority not liable--Court order or resolution of dispute.
No crematory authority is liable for refusing to accept a body or to perform a cremation until it receives a court order or other suitable confirmation that a dispute has been settled if:
(1)It is aware of any dispute concerning the cremation of human remains;
(2)It has a reasonable basis for questioning any of the representations made by the authorizing agent; or
(3)For any other lawful reason.

Source: SL 1988, ch 283, ยง31.

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Structure South Dakota Codified Laws

South Dakota Codified Laws

Title 34 - Public Health and Safety

Chapter 26A - Crematories And Cremations

Section 34-26A-1 - Definition of terms.

Section 34-26A-2 - Authorizing agent defined--Public official or institutional representative as authorizing agent.

Section 34-26A-3 - Construction and maintenance of crematory--Operation under licensed funeral director or establishment--Exception--Building and zoning regulations.

Section 34-26A-4 - Application for licensure or renewal--Forms--Fee--Contents--Annual examination--Notice on change of ownership.

Section 34-26A-5 - Cremation prohibited except in licensed crematory--Violation as misdemeanor.

Section 34-26A-6 - Documentation required for cremation--Cremation authorization form--Burial permit--Other local documentation.

Section 34-26A-7 - Delegation of authority of authorizing agent--Reliance on authorization form without liability.

Section 34-26A-8 - Receipt upon receiving human remains--Contents--Signatures.

Section 34-26A-9 - Record of cremations.

Section 34-26A-10 - Acceptance of unidentified human remains prohibited--Identification on exterior of cremation container.

Section 34-26A-11 - Filing of burial permit on completion of cremation.

Section 34-26A-12 - Casket not to be required by crematory authority--Cremation container to be cremated absent written instructions to the contrary.

Section 34-26A-13 - When cremation may take place--Investigation by coroner--Waiver of time requirement.

Section 34-26A-14 - Notification of coroner by crematory authority in certain cases--Investigation--Authorization to cremate.

Section 34-26A-15 - Removal of pacemaker or hazardous implants.

Section 34-26A-16 - Holding human remains before cremation--Refrigeration--Leaking cremation container need not be accepted.

Section 34-26A-17 - Unauthorized persons not permitted in crematory area.

Section 34-26A-18 - Simultaneous cremations forbidden absent written authorization--Authorization as exemption from liability for commingling.

Section 34-26A-19 - Verification of identification before cremation.

Section 34-26A-20 - Removal and processing of residue.

Section 34-26A-21 - Packing of cremated remains--Temporary container--Shipping.

Section 34-26A-22 - Statement by authorizing agent specifying disposition of cremated remains--Retention of copy.

Section 34-26A-23 - Responsibility of authorizing agent for disposition--Disposal of unclaimed remains--Reimbursement--Record--Discharge from liability.

Section 34-26A-24 - Where cremated remains may be disposed of--Consent of property owner.

Section 34-26A-25 - Commingling of cremated remains prohibited--Exceptions.

Section 34-26A-26 - Delivery of cremated remains--Receipt--Transportation of remains.

Section 34-26A-27 - Scattering of cremated remains--Filing of statement with local registrar--Release of remains by crematory authority--Violation as misdemeanor.

Section 34-26A-28 - Cremation authorization form as warranty of identity, authority, etc.--Liability of person signing form.

Section 34-26A-29 - Right of crematory authority to cremate on receipt of authorization form--Immunity from liability--Exception.

Section 34-26A-30 - Crematory authority not responsible for valuables.

Section 34-26A-31 - Refusal to accept body or perform cremation--When crematory authority not liable--Court order or resolution of dispute.

Section 34-26A-32 - Refusal to release cremated remains--When crematory authority not liable--Court order or resolution of dispute.

Section 34-26A-33 - Promulgation of rules by department--Contents--Adoption of rules by crematory authority.

Section 34-26A-34 - Maintenance of crematory in violation of chapter as nuisance--Abatement.

Section 34-26A-35 - Holding self out as crematory authority without license or performing cremation without authorization form as misdemeanor.

Section 34-26A-36 - Knowingly signing false authorization form as misdemeanor.

Section 34-26A-37 - Pre-need contract to specify ultimate disposition of cremated remains--Compliance with contract absent different instructions at time of death--Release from liability.

Section 34-26A-38 - Right to authorize one's own cremation on pre-need basis--Witnesses--Designation of crematory authority--Transfer or cancellation--Notice to department and crematory authority.

Section 34-26A-39 - Disposition of remains of deceased in accordance with pre-need authorization form--Best efforts of persons in possession of form or charged with making arrangements.

Section 34-26A-40 - Crematory authority to comply with pre-need authorization form--Immunity from liability.

Section 34-26A-41 - Employment of licensed funeral director.