What should be done if a deceased person does not have a legally available body disposition plan?

When a deceased person does not have a legally available body disposition plan, the correct approach is for the state or county to take responsibility for the disposition. This is grounded in legal and ethical principles that ensure proper handling of remains when no individual is legally designated to make decisions regarding disposition.

In such scenarios, local or state authorities typically have protocols in place for handling unclaimed bodies or those without a designated plan. This could involve arranging for burial or cremation, ensuring that the deceased is treated with dignity and respect, in accordance with state laws and regulations regarding the disposition of human remains.

Other options, while they may seem viable under certain circumstances, do not align with statutory responsibilities. For example, allowing a relative to take responsibility may not always be feasible if there are no clear legal ties, and keeping the body indefinitely does not comply with public health laws or ethical standards. Immediate cremation without proper procedures and legal authorization is also not permissible. Thus, the involvement of state or county authorities is essential to manage the situation appropriately and in accordance with the law.