MS HB1179

Prohibits cremation of any dead body without permission of the medical examiner, regardless of whether the death falls under medical examiner jurisdiction.

Requires crematory facility operators to verify and maintain written records of medical examiner permission before cremating a body.

Amends funeral establishment regulations to mandate that licensees obtain medical examiner permission for cremation in addition to next-of-kin consent.

Updates references in anatomical gift and unclaimed body disposition laws to ensure cremation procedures comply with medical examiner approval requirements.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.