Delaware Code § 16-3159

Permit for cremation or natural organic reduction; issuance, retention, and inspection [For
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application of this section, see 84 Del. Laws, c. 261, § 16].
(a) A body may be cremated or subjected to natural organic reduction only after the preparation of a special cremation or natural
organic reduction permit signed by the chief medical examiner or an assistant or deputy medical examiner. In the presentation of the
cremation or natural organic reduction permit to the chief medical examiner or the chief medical examiner's representative for signature,
the permit must be accompanied by a death certificate signed by the attending physician and by a cremation or natural organic reduction
authorization signed by the next-of-kin or legal representative of the deceased. The signature of the chief medical examiner or the chief
medical examiner's representative to the cremation or natural organic reduction permit constitutes an affirmation that there is no medical
reason why the cremation or natural organic reduction should not take place. The chief medical examiner or an assistant or deputy medical
examiner has the authority to hold the remains of the deceased pending any investigation into the cause and manner of death.
(b) One copy of the cremation or natural organic reduction permit must be retained by the person, firm, corporation, or association
conducting the cremation or natural organic reduction, and must be produced for inspection or other purposes when asked for by the
inspecting authority. A second copy of the cremation or natural organic reduction permit must accompany the death certificate when it
is filed in the Office of Vital Statistics.

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