§ 5–508
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 5-508 (2026)
Title 5. Death
Subtitle 5. Miscellaneous Provisions
§ 5–508LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Alkaline hydrolysis” has the meaning stated in § 7–101 of the Health Occupations Article.
(c)
“Authorizing agent” means the individual who has legal authority to arrange for and make decisions regarding the final disposition of a dead human body, including by cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, or natural organic reduction.
(d)
“Cremation” means the disposition of a dead human body by means of incineration.
(e)
“Crematory” has the meaning stated in § 7–101 of the Health Occupations Article.
(f)
“Decedent” means a dead human being.
(g)
“Natural organic reduction” has the meaning stated in § 7–101 of the Health Occupations Article.
(h)
“Practitioner” means a person who is licensed by the State as a funeral director, mortician, or surviving spouse licensee to practice mortuary science.
(i)
“Pre–need contract” means an agreement prior to the time of death between a consumer and a practitioner to provide any goods and services regarding the final disposition of a dead human body.
(j)
“Reduction facility” has the meaning stated in § 7–101 of the Health Occupations Article.
(k)
“Soil remains” has the meaning stated in § 7–101 of the Health Occupations Article.