Thinking about a cremation?
No cremation can be carried out, by law, for at least 48 hours after the pronounced time of death. All cremations require a signed cremation permit for the MEO before proceeding. Once you have decided to have the decedent’s body cremated, your funeral director will notify the BCMEO of your wishes. The ME/DME will respond to the funeral home and perform an external examination of the body, if an examination has not already been performed by the office. Cremation examinations are one of the many functions of the BCMEO and are performed on all cremations, whether or not the death falls under the jurisdiction of the MEO. Following this examination, a required signed cremation permit will be issued to the funeral home, allowing them to proceed. A fee for this service is charged to the funeral home.
