Tennessee Code Annotated
Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-5-501 (2026)
Part definitions
✓ current as of May 2026
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
- (1) "Body parts" means limbs or other portions of the anatomy that are removed from a living person for medical purposes during biopsy, treatment or surgery. "Body parts" also includes dead human bodies that have been donated to science for purposes of medical education or research and any parts of such a dead human body that were removed for those purposes. Nothing in this part shall be construed to permit the cremation of medical waste at the request of a hospital or other institution. Only the individual from whose body the parts were removed or the individual's duly appointed representative may make arrangements with the crematory for the cremation of body parts;
- (2) "Casket" means a rigid container that is designed for the encasement of a dead human body and that is constructed of wood, metal or another rigid material, is ornamented and lined with fabric and may or may not be combustible;
- (3) "Temporary container" means a receptacle for cremated remains composed of cardboard, plastic, metal or another material that can be closed in a manner that prevents the leakage or spillage of the cremated remains and the entrance of foreign material and that is of sufficient size to hold the cremated remains until they are placed in an urn or scattered; and
- (4) "Urn" means a receptacle designed to encase cremated remains permanently.
Acts 1999, ch. 215, § 1; 2000, ch. 779, § 1.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2
cases, 2010–2010 · leading case: Linda F. Seals v. H & F, Inc., 301 S.W.3d 237 (Tenn. 2010).
Linda F. Seals v. H & F, Inc., 301 S.W.3d 237 (Tenn. 2010). “1999); Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-5-501 (b) (Supp. 1985).”
Linda F. Seals v. H & F, Inc. - Dissenting (Tenn. 2010). “Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-5-501 (b). However, the statute did not address who, other than the decedent during his or her lifetime, could authorize the cremation of a decedent’s remains.”
Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-5-501(3): 1 case
Linda F. Seals v. H & F, Inc., 301 S.W.3d 237 (Tenn. 2010). “1999); Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-5-501 (b) (Supp. 1985).”
Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-5-501(a): 1 case
Linda F. Seals v. H & F, Inc., 301 S.W.3d 237 (Tenn. 2010). “1999); Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-5-501 (b) (Supp. 1985).”
Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-5-501(b): 1 case
Linda F. Seals v. H & F, Inc., 301 S.W.3d 237 (Tenn. 2010). “1999); Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-5-501 (b) (Supp. 1985).”
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