Code of Massachusetts Regulations
505 CMR - OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER
Title 505 CMR 2.00 - Release Of Unclaimed Or Unidentified Bodies
Section 2.04 - Release of an Unclaimed or Unidentified Body
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
(1) The Chief may release any body in his or her possession, that remains unclaimed or unidentified, two weeks from the date of receipt of the body by the Office, to the Department of Transitional Assistance for burial in accordance with M.G.L. c. 38, § 13 and M.G.L. c. 117A, § 9.
(2) Prior to the release of an unclaimed body to the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Chief shall ensure that reasonable efforts have been made to locate and notify the next of kin of the deceased regarding the death and location of the deceased.
(3) Prior to the release of an unidentified body to the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Chief shall ensure that reasonable efforts have been undertaken to identify the body and shall ensure that the body has been thoroughly described and that identifying characteristics have been documented through charting, photography, fingerprinting, and dental examination. A sample from the body suitable for DNA analysis may be extracted from the body and stored by the Office.