What legal documentation is essential before burial can take place in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, before a burial can take place, a burial permit is essential. This legal document is required to authorize the disposition of human remains and serves as proof that the deceased has been legally examined and that the death has been certified. The burial permit must be obtained from the appropriate county health department or authority, ensuring that the burial complies with health regulations and local laws.

While a death certificate is an important document that records the details of the individual's death and must be filed with the vital records office, it does not alone authorize the burial. A letter from a physician may indicate that the death occurred under medical supervision, but it does not fulfill the legal requirements for burial. Similarly, a cemetery deed is necessary for the ownership of a burial plot but does not replace the need for a burial permit as the primary legal document required for the burial process. Thus, the burial permit is the key document that must be secured to proceed with the burial in Tennessee.