§ 20-17-702 - Search for next of kin. - Arkansas Statutes

20-17-702. Search for next of kin.

(a) The person who assumes original and lawful possession, charge, or control of any body as described in this subchapter shall conduct a diligent search for relatives or next of kin of the deceased, or that person shall request the county sheriff or such other person as may be required by law to conduct the search. The person conducting the search shall make every effort to find the spouse, if any, of the deceased. However, if the person conducting the search is not satisfied that the putative spouse is, in fact, a legal spouse, or it is determined that no spouse exists, then every effort shall be made to find the parents and siblings, if any, of the deceased.

(b) If the identity of the deceased is not known, the investigation shall include, but not be limited to, the taking of fingerprints and sending the fingerprint records to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C., for identification and filing.