Who must sign the receipt for remains at a crematory, except when donated for medical research?

In Tennessee, the law requires that the person delivering the remains to the crematory must sign the receipt for those remains, unless they are being donated for medical research. This ensures clear documentation of the chain of custody for the remains, which is essential for both legal and ethical reasons. The individual making the delivery is typically responsible for confirming they possess the authority to authorize cremation and are accountable for the remains until they are officially received by the crematory. This signature acts as a formal acknowledgment that the crematory has received the remains in good order, establishing the responsibility of the party who delivered them.

Family members, crematory representatives, or funeral directors do not have the same legal obligation to sign the receipt under these specific circumstances. The requirement focuses on accountability and proper documentation through the person directly handling the remains at the point of transfer.