§5716. Cremation of bodies

            A. If the cremation of a body is requested, the funeral director shall immediately notify the coroner who has jurisdiction in the death.

            B. If, after the necessary investigation, the coroner is satisfied that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, the coroner shall issue a permit for cremation.

            C. If the investigation reveals suspicious circumstances or the reasonable probability of the commission of a crime, the coroner shall deny the permit until the coroner's post-mortem examination and evidence collection is completed. After completion, the coroner may issue a permit for cremation.

            D. Upon completion of the coroner's post-mortem examination and evidence collection, the coroner shall release the body to the family or friends for disposition in accordance with R.S. 13:5715. In any case under coroner jurisdiction in which the body cannot be released within thirty days of death, the coroner shall notify in writing the person or persons with the right to dispose of human remains under R.S. 8:655 the reasons for any delay in release of the body.

            Amended by Acts 1952, No. 151, §2. Acts 1984, No. 570, §1; Redesignated from R.S. 33:1566 pursuant to Acts 2011, No. 248, §3; Acts 2020, No. 113, §1; Acts 2023, No. 332, §1.