§ 20-17-1405. Verification that unclaimed remains are a veteran’s — Veteran status unknown at the time of final disposition of the body

A funeral establishment that is also the authorizing agent that determines the final disposition of the remains of a decedent and directs that the body of the decedent be cremated:

1. (1) Shall place the cremated remains in a container marked with the proper identification of the decedent;

2. (2) Shall store the cremated remains for five (5) days from the date of cremation;

3. (3) May share identifying information of the decedent with a veterans service organization or the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to:

   1. (A) Determine whether the decedent was a veteran; and

   2. (B) Verify that the decedent is entitled to veteran interment benefits; and

4. (4)

   1. (A) May dispose of the cremated remains after five (5) days from the date of cremation if the cremated remains are not relinquished to:

      1. (i) A veterans service organization;

      2. (ii) The Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or

      3. (iii) The next of kin of the decedent.

   2. (B) The disposal of the remains of the decedent must comply with the public health and welfare laws of the State of Arkansas.