Navigating the administrative and legal requirements after a loss in Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, or the surrounding Davidson County area requires an understanding of specific local jurisdictional rules. As the central authority for DFS Memorials in Middle Tennessee, this hub provides the essential technical data and resources needed to manage final arrangements throughout the county.
Davidson County Jurisdictional Contact Data
In Tennessee, the Medical Examiner must review and authorize every cremation. In Davidson County, these services are coordinated through a centralized forensic facility.
Official County Name: Davidson County
Medical Examiner Office: Davidson County Medical Examiner (Forensic Medical)
Physical Office Address: 850 R.S. Gass Blvd, Nashville, TN 37216
Main Contact Phone: (615) 743-1800
Release Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Our local providers coordinate directly with the Forensic Medical Management team to ensure all legal release authorizations and medical certifications are secured before the cremation process begins.
Davidson County Permitting and Mandatory Fees
Tennessee law and Davidson County ordinances mandate specific permits and fees for final disposition by cremation.
Medical Examiner Cremation Permit Fee: Per T.C.A. § 68-3-502, the state mandates a fee for the Medical Examiner to review and sign a cremation permit. In Davidson County, the mandatory fee is $25.00.
Waiting Period: While Tennessee does not have a strict state-mandated hourly “waiting period,” a cremation cannot legally take place until the Cremation Permit has been issued by the local health department after Medical Examiner approval. This administrative process typically requires 24 to 48 hours.
Authorization: Tennessee law requires the signature of the legally authorized next-of-kin. For multiple adult children or siblings, a majority consensus is required to proceed.
