What to do after a death in Louisiana

Quick facts

• Good to know: A licensed funeral director must oversee final disposition.

• Tip: Family cemeteries require Louisiana Cemetery Board approval.

Getting started in Louisiana

• Louisiana requires a licensed funeral director to oversee final disposition of remains.

• The Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors regulates funeral homes.

• Death certificates must be filed within 5 days of death.

Good to know: While a funeral director is required, you can still be closely involved in decisions and caring for your loved one.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Contact the attending physician or hospice nurse if one was involved.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911.

• Contact a funeral home. Louisiana requires their involvement for final disposition.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will come to pronounce death and help with paperwork.

• Hospice can help coordinate with your chosen funeral home.

• You can spend time with your loved one before they’re moved.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death. The coroner may need to be involved.

• If the body isn’t embalmed or refrigerated, disposition must occur within 30 hours.

• Contact a funeral home once death is certified.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through immediate paperwork.

• The attending physician must complete the death certificate within 24 hours.

• The hospital will ask which funeral home you’d like to use.

Cremation in Louisiana

• Louisiana requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation.

• A legally recognized death certificate from a physician or coroner is required first.

• Cremation must be arranged through a licensed funeral director.

• The next of kin or authorized representative must sign a cremation authorization form.

• Cremation facilities must meet standards set by the Louisiana State Board.

Burial in Louisiana

• Louisiana requires bodies to be buried in established cemeteries.

• To establish a family cemetery, you must apply to the Louisiana Cemetery Board.

• The property must be free of liens and properly zoned for cemetery use.

• A certified Act of Dedication must be filed with the Clerk of Court.

• Scattering ashes on private property is allowed without restrictions.

Paperwork in Louisiana

• The funeral director must file the death certificate within 5 days of death.

• Louisiana uses the Electronic Death Registration (LEERS) system.

• Certified copies cost $7 each from Louisiana Vital Records.

• Plan to order 8–10 copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters.

• Death records are confidential for 50 years. Only immediate family can request copies.

Consumer rights in Louisiana

• You have the right to an itemized price list and can choose only the services you want.

• Funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere without surcharge.

• Embalming is only required if disposition doesn’t occur within 30 hours.

• File complaints with the Louisiana State Board toll-free: 1-888-508-9083.

• The FTC Funeral Rule applies. You can buy only what you want.