38-1426.

Final disposition; instructions; remains of deceased person; disposition; liability.

(1) A decedent, prior to his or her death, may direct the preparation for the final disposition of his or her remains by written instructions as provided in sections 30-2223 and 38-1425. If such instructions are in a will or other written instrument, the decedent may direct that the whole or any part of such remains be given to a teaching institution, university, college, or legally licensed hospital, to the director, or to or for the use of any nonprofit blood bank, artery bank, eye bank, or other therapeutic service operated by any agency approved by the director under rules and regulations established by the director. The person or persons otherwise entitled to control the disposition of the remains under this section shall faithfully carry out the directions of the decedent.

(2) If such instructions are contained in a will or other written instrument, they shall be immediately carried out, regardless of the validity of the will in other respects or of the fact that the will may not be offered for or admitted to probate until a later date.

(3) This section shall be administered and construed to the end that such expressed instructions of any person shall be faithfully and promptly performed.

(4) A funeral director and embalmer, physician, or cemetery authority shall not be liable to any person or persons for carrying out such instructions of the decedent, and any teaching institution, university, college, or legally licensed hospital or the director shall not be liable to any person or persons for accepting the remains of any deceased person under a will or other written instrument as set forth in this section.