Section 641.127.6. Cremation.

       127.6(1) Permit obtained prior to cremation—Form ME-5. A permit for cremation shall be obtained from a county medical examiner prior to cremation of a body of a decedent. For purposes of this requirement, a facsimile or electronic copy of the cremation permit has the same legal effect as the original. Cremation permits shall be issued on the Cremation Permit by Medical Examiner, Form ME-5.

       127.6(2) Requirements for issuance of permit. A county medical examiner shall direct an inquiry into the cause and manner of death and shall determine whether the death is one which affects the public interest prior to issuing a cremation permit.

        a.           Death which affects the public interest. If the death occurred in a manner specified in Iowa Code section 331.802(3) or if reasonable suspicion that the death occurred in such a manner exists, a medical examiner shall view the body, make a personal inquiry into the cause and manner of death, and complete or cause to be completed all necessary autopsy or postmortem examinations prior to issuing a cremation permit.

        b.           Death which does not affect the public interest. If, following an inquiry into the cause and manner of death, the county medical examiner determines that the death did not occur in a manner specified in Iowa Code section 331.802(3), a medical examiner is not required to view the body prior to issuing a cremation permit. A county medical examiner shall certify on the Cremation Permit by Medical Examiner, Form ME-5, that the medical examiner’s inquiry into the cause and manner of death did not disclose evidence that the death occurred in a manner specified in Iowa Code section 331.802(3).

       127.6(3) Fee. A fee for the Cremation Permit by Medical Examiner, Form ME-5, shall be paid by the family, next of kin, guardian of the decedent, or other person authorized to act on behalf of the decedent.