(a) Consent for a postmortem examination of a body by a physician is sufficient if the consent is given as provided in this section. (b) (1) The consent may be given by any one of the following persons if that person, whether alone or with another, has assumed control of the body for its final disposition: (i) A parent; (ii) A spouse; (iii) A domestic partner; (iv) A child; (v) A guardian; (vi) A next of kin; or (vii) In the absence of these persons, any other person. (2) If a person does not assume control of a body under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the consent may be given by the State Anatomy Board. (c) The consent may be in the form of: (1) A written document; (2) A telegram; or (3) A recorded telephonic or other recorded message.
Maryland Legal Code