This section of our newsletter is where we take time to respond to your inquiries. If you have an inquiry you’d like to submit for inclusion in an upcoming issue, simply let us know.
Q1:
Some countries require a certificate of “non-contagious disease” before a family can bring the final remains of their loved ones into the country. Are counties required to issue those types of certificates?
A1:
Each country has its own guidelines on what documents must be presented along with the body or remains. As a local county registrar, you would issue a disposition permit to the family before they take the remains to another country. A certificate of “non-contagious disease” is not a requirement by Georgia law. Occasionally, a courtesy letter may be provided by the County Health Department Director, if the receiving jurisdiction requires it. This is encouraged by the State Office of Vital Records, yet is at the final discretion of the Health Department Director. Additionally, some funeral homes or crematories will issue a non-contagious disease letter on their letterhead.
Q2:
If an 18 week old fetus is miscarried and the family wants to do a cremation, is a disposition permit required?
A2:
Yes, a disposition permit is always issued for a cremation of a body or a fetus. The only time a disposition permit is not required for a fetus is when the disposition of fetal remains is within the institution where the fetal demise occurred. You are correct that a death certificate would not be issued because there was no live birth. However, a report of fetal death should be filed by the healthcare facility or the physician in attendance.