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RSA 325-A:21 · Crematory Authority; Requirements

Title: XXX: OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS
Chapter: 325-A · CREMATION OF HUMAN REMAINS
Status: current
Official source linked: Yes

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325-A:21 Crematory Authority; Requirements. –

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A crematory authority shall not accept human remains for cremation without a proper label placed on the exterior of the alternative container or casket indicating the name of the deceased and the name and location of the funeral establishment, or the name of the next-of-kin or designated agent as provided in RSA 290.

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II.

No crematory authority shall make or enforce any rules requiring that human remains be placed in a casket before cremation or that human remains be cremated in a casket. No crematory authority shall refuse to accept human remains for cremation if the human remains are not in a casket.

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III.

No crematory authority shall accept human remains for cremation unless the human remains are delivered to the crematory authority in an alternative container or casket or delivered to the crematory authority's holding facility to be placed in an alternative container or casket. Human remains delivered to a crematory in an alternative container shall not be removed from the alternative container, and the alternative container shall be cremated with the human remains. A crematory authority may refuse a noncombustible casket or any other container that is not an alternative container or a casket or container that is not labeled as required under paragraph I.

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IV.

An alternative container shall:

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(a)

Be composed of readily combustible materials suitable for cremation;

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(b)

Be able to be closed to provide for complete encasement of the human remains;

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(c)

Be resistant to leakage or spillage;

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(d)

Be rigid enough for easy handling; and

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(e)

Provide protection for the health and safety of persons handling such container. Source. 2006, 288:2, eff. July 1, 2006.

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Source note

Source. 2006, 288:2, eff. July 1, 2006.

Source history

2006, 288:2, eff. July 1, 2006

Related materials

Bill relationships

2026 HB1457 amend · effective 2026-07-01
ad as follows: 325:8-a Board Duty; Crematory Licensing; Natural Organic Reduction Facility Licensing. The board shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of RSA 325-A relative to the cremation of human remains, and RSA 325-B, relative to natural organic reduction of human remains. 3 New Chapter; Natural Organic Reduction of Human Remains. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 325
2026 HB1457-FN amend · effective 2026-07-01
ad as follows: 325:8-a Board Duty; Crematory Licensing; Natural Organic Reduction Facility Licensing. The board shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of RSA 325-A relative to the cremation of human remains, and RSA 325-B, relative to natural organic reduction of human remains. 3 New Chapter; Natural Organic Reduction of Human Remains. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 325
2026 SB53 reference · effective 2025-07-01
of the town or city to use as the permit for final disposition. When the body is to be cremated, at least 48 hours shall elapse before cremation can take place in accordance with RSA 325-A and a separate cremation certificate shall be obtained from the medical examiner and submitted to the crematory with the burial permit pursuant to RSA 325-A. When the body is to be disposed by natural organic reduction
2026 SB53-FN reference
of the town or city to use as the permit for final disposition. When the body is to be cremated, at least 48 hours shall elapse before cremation can take place in accordance with RSA 325-A and a separate cremation certificate shall be obtained from the medical examiner and submitted to the crematory with the burial permit pursuant to RSA 325-A. When the body is to be disposed by natural organic reduction