58126 (2024). Hon David Parker to the Minister of Health

58126 (2024). Hon David Parker to the Minister of Health: Is the Minister aware that on 19 December 2022 the then Associate Minister of Health authorised medical referees to permit cremations to be carried out without compliance with regulation 7 of the Cremation regulations 1973, broadly on the following terms: 1. the exemption is for two years from 19 December 2022 2. the exemption can apply when someone dies in a rest home, residential care facility, or other long-term in-patient facility, if the medical history and current conditions of the deceased are known by a medical or nurse practitioner. 3. the exemption allows a form B cremation certificate to be issued where the death is not unexpected without examining the deceased after death?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that on 19 December 2022 the then Associate Minister of Health progressed this exemption.