District of Columbia Code Division I. Government of District. § 5-1411. Delivery of body; expenses.

(a) Following investigation or autopsy, the CME shall release the body of the decedent to the person having the right to the body for the purpose of burial or other disposition pursuant to law. If after a reasonable time, established by regulation by the Mayor, no authorized person claims the body of the decedent, the CME shall dispose of the body in accordance with the law.

(b) Expenses of transportation of bodies and autopsies performed pursuant to this chapter shall be borne by the District.

(c) Only the CME shall dispose unclaimed bodies in the District without of next of kin or other means of disposition. The Mayor shall prescribe fees and regulations for the storage and disposal of unclaimed bodies.