(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) 'Authorizing agent' means the individual who has legal authority to arrange for and make decisions regarding the final disposition of a dead human body, including by cremation. (c) 'Cremation' means the disposition of a dead human body by means of incineration. (d) 'Crematory' is a building in which cremations are performed. (e) 'Decedent' means a dead human being. (f) 'Practitioner' means a person who is licensed by the State as a funeral director, mortician, or surviving spouse licensee to practice mortuary science. (g) 'Pre-need contract' means an agreement prior to the time of death between a consumer and a practitioner to provide any goods and services regarding the final disposition of a dead human body.
Maryland Legal Code