Commentary on Sections Deaths outwith Scotland Section 18: Medical reviewers to authorise cremation
49.Medical reviewers have the additional function of ensuring that it is safe to cremate the body of anyone who dies overseas and who is to be cremated in Scotland. Medical referees at crematoria currently perform this function but this role will be abolished when the new system is introduced. This means, for example, that the medical reviewer will check medical records to see if the person has any implants or a pacemaker that would need to be removed prior to cremation. In carrying out this function, section 14 also gives medical reviewers powers to require documents or require a person (such as a family member or funeral director) to produce relevant documents (including access to health records). The offence provision in section 15 in relation to the provision of such documents applies.
50.Anyone wishing to arrange the cremation of a body in such a case must apply to the medical reviewer. The form and content of the application and authorisation and any further procedure to be followed by medical reviewers may be specified in regulations by the Scottish Ministers.