Transport a Body

Death During Hospice

When someone on hospice dies you can transport them from one home to another home without any permits. For example if grandma dies at home on hospice and you want to hold the vigil at your Aunt’s house on the other side of town, that’s fine.  Just don’t cross state lines. Make sure hospice is notified and comes to pronounce the death before you do anything.

• Paperwork for transport is needed to leave a medical or care facility | Human Remains Release Form

• To bring the body to it’s final resting place i.e. cemetery or crematory | Disposition Transit Permit

• To cross state lines | Disposition Transit Permit

• According to Title 36-326 | View Document
  

Next of kin may remove a body from a Hospital or care Facility simply by obtaining a Human Remains Release Form, here. 

 Please note that Section A of title 36-326 states that a Disposition Transit Permit is needed for the following:
1. For final disposition and
2. For travel out of state.  
Sections B, C and D also give important details about moving a body without the need for a Disposition Transport Permit. 

This is important because a family has a week to file the death certificate with Vital Records, and may need this extra time to make decisions about the final resting place which is a required line on the Death Certificate form. Families can bring a body home for care and vigil while making all of the final decisions. Next of Kin are legally responsible to file paperwork in a timely fashion. 

Rights to bring a body home

When a loved one dies in the hospital, a care home or has been brought to the Medical Examiner's office many people, including the staff at these facilities are not aware that families have a right to bring the body home.  At times, an individual may understand this right but if the institution doesn't have a policy or protocol for this release then making it happen can be a challenge.  The most important thing is to communicate your intention with staff  before the death whenever possible. Second, if your rights to bring the body home are being challenged  remember to remain calm and respectful. As our culture and customs slowly shift back towards more family involvement after death it will take time for Hospitals and Care Homes to catch up.  Calm and clear communication will go a long way.  

How We Can Help

Remember AZ Community Deathcare is here to help with advocacy when your rights are being challenged, especially if you are in an emotionally stressful situation and advocating for yourself is challenging.

Currently, AZ Community Deathcare is working with hospitals and care facilities to ensure that the above procedure is followed, as the law requires.  In many situations these institutions have a POLICY that will only allow bodies to be released to Licensed Funeral Directors or once the Death Certificate is filed and Transport Permit is acquired. Unfortunately, this can take days and delay the healing experience of the home vigil and family centered death care.