What to do after a death in Rhode Island

Quick facts

• Good to know: Home burial rules vary by municipality. Check with your local town council.

• Tip: Death certificates must be filed within 7 days of death.

Getting started in Rhode Island

• Rhode Island funeral directors and embalmers are licensed by the Department of Health.

• Local town and city councils have significant authority over burial regulations.

• Death records are available at any city or town hall for deaths occurring after January 2022.

Good to know: The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Rhode Island offers free guidance and can help you understand your options.

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 and follow their guidance.

• Contact a funeral home to help with next steps.

Hospice was involved

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

• Hospice can help coordinate with your chosen funeral home.

• Take the time you need with your loved one before they’re moved.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 if the death was unexpected.

• The medical examiner may need to be involved depending on circumstances.

• Once death is pronounced, contact a funeral home of your choice.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will help with immediate paperwork.

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

• The hospital will ask about funeral arrangements. You can take time to decide.

Cremation in Rhode Island

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

• A burial permit and cremation certificate from the Medical Examiner are required.

• Written authorization from next of kin or legal representative is needed.

• A suitable cremation container is required, but not a casket.

• There are no state laws restricting where you may scatter ashes.

Burial in Rhode Island

• Home burial may be possible but is heavily regulated by local municipalities.

• City and town councils have authority to regulate or prohibit burials in their area.

• The burial location must be filed with the local city or town clerk.

• You must ensure home burial doesn’t conflict with local zoning laws.

• Contact your local town council for specific requirements before planning.

Paperwork in Rhode Island

• Death certificates must be filed within 7 days and before removing the body from the state.

• Certified copies cost $22 for the first copy, $18 for additional copies ordered same day.

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

• Death records less than 50 years old are only available to close relatives.

• For deaths after January 2022, any city or town clerk can provide copies.

Consumer rights in Rhode Island

• The FTC Funeral Rule requires itemized price lists be provided before you make decisions.

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

• All pre-need funeral contracts must be approved by the State Board of Funeral Directors.

• File complaints with the Rhode Island Department of Health for licensing issues.

• The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection office can help with billing disputes.