What to do after a death in Oregon

Quick facts

• Good to know: 24-hour waiting period before cremation.

• Tip: Oregon has strong consumer protections including a trust fund for preneed contracts.

Getting started in Oregon

• Oregon allows families to handle funeral arrangements without a funeral director if not accepting payment.

• The Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery Board provides strong consumer protections.

• Home funerals are legal. Contact the Health Authority for a ‘Home Burial Packet’ to get started.

Good to know: Oregon supports family involvement in death care. You have options and resources to help you through this.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Call the attending physician or hospice if one was involved.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911. They’ll guide you through required steps.

• If the body will be held more than 24 hours, it must be embalmed or refrigerated at 36 degrees F or below.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will pronounce death and help initiate paperwork.

• Hospice can coordinate with a funeral home or support your home funeral plans.

• Un-embalmed remains may be removed from refrigeration for up to 6 hours at a time.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death. The medical examiner will be notified.

• The medical examiner determines if investigation is needed.

• Once cleared, you can work with a funeral home or handle arrangements yourself.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through immediate steps.

• You can spend time with your loved one before leaving.

• Within 10 days of a funeral establishment taking possession, final disposition must occur.

Cremation in Oregon

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

• A Cremation Authorization Form must be signed by next of kin and the coroner must issue a permit ($7 fee).

• A casket isn’t required. A suitable rigid container like cardboard or plywood is acceptable.

• Final disposition must occur within 10 days of the funeral establishment taking possession.

• There are no state restrictions on where you may scatter ashes.

Burial in Oregon

• Private property burial is allowed with property owner consent and local planning commission approval.

• Contact your city or county planning commission to understand land use requirements.

• A licensed surveyor must create a formal map (plat) of the burial site to file with county records.

• You must disclose the burial site to future property buyers. Plan for long-term access rights.

• Burial vaults and caskets aren’t required by state law, though cemeteries may have their own rules.

Paperwork in Oregon

• The cause of death must be certified by a medical authority within 48 hours.

• The death certificate must be signed and filed within 10 days.

• For home funerals, contact Oregon Health Authority at 971-673-1160 for a Home Burial Packet.

• Certified copies can be ordered through your local health department within 6 months of death.

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

Consumer rights in Oregon

• You have the right to a General Price List before making any decisions.

• Funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere without extra fees.

• Embalming isn’t required unless a public viewing is planned after death from certain communicable diseases.

• Preneed contract funds are protected by the Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Protection Trust Fund.

• File complaints with the Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery Board at oregon.gov/omcb.