Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023)
Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113)
Subtitle 2 - HEALTH AND SAFETY (§§ 20-6-101 — 20-38-113)
Chapter 17 - DEATH AND DISPOSITION OF THE DEAD (§§ 20-17-101 — 20-17-1408)
Subchapter 3 - POSTMORTEMS (§§ 20-17-301 — 20-17-303)
Section 20-17-302 - Consent

• (a) Consent for a licensed physician to conduct a postmortem examination on the body of a deceased person shall be deemed sufficient when given by the deceased, if in writing, and signed and acknowledged before his or her death or when given by whichever one (1) of the following assumes custody of the body for purposes of burial:
  • (1) Father;
  • (2) Mother;
  • (3) Husband;
  • (4) Wife;
  • (5) Child;
  • (6) Guardian;
  • (7) Next of kin; or
  • (8) In the absence of any of the persons listed in subdivisions (a)(1)-(7) of this section, a friend or a person charged by law with the responsibility for burial.

• (b) If two (2) or more such persons assume custody of the body, consent of one (1) of them shall be deemed sufficient.

Acts 1955, No. 172, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 82-406.