Does Tennessee law require a burial or cremation permit to be issued?

Tennessee law mandates that a permit is required before the final disposition of remains, making it necessary for both burial and cremation. This is in line with regulations designed to ensure that all aspects of handling human remains meet public health standards and legal requirements. The permit serves as an official document indicating that the necessary legalities have been observed, which helps to maintain an orderly process for the respectful treatment of deceased individuals. Failure to obtain such a permit could result in legal consequences for the funeral home or individual responsible for the remains.

In this context, other options do not align with the legal requirements outlined by Tennessee law. For example, suggesting that permits are optional undermines the regulatory framework designed to protect public health and document the disposition of remains. Similarly, stating that a permit is only required for cremations disregards the necessity of a permit for burial as well, while limiting the requirement to public burials misinterprets the law by not recognizing that all final dispositions require a permit.