Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-5-504 (2026)

• (a) No operator of a crematory facility shall cremate or allow the cremation at a crematory facility of a dead human body, other than one that was donated to science for purposes of medical education or research, until all of the following have occurred:
  • (1) The requirements of § 62-5-513 have been met, unless the decedent having died from a virulent communicable disease, the department of health or board of health having territorial jurisdiction where the death of the decedent occurred requires by rule or order the cremation to occur prior to those requirements being met;
  • (2) The operator has received a permit for cremation of human remains that authorizes the cremation of the decedent; and
  • (3) The operator has received any other documentation required by this state or a political subdivision of this state.

• (b) Upon the submission of a sworn affidavit by an operator of a crematory that the operator has completed the cremation of human remains without charge, the department of health shall issue a refund of any fees associated with the receipt of a permit as required in subdivision (a)(2).

Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 375, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1999, ch. 215, § 4; 2000, ch. 779, §§ 4, 5, 30; 2012 , ch. 799, § 2.