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    Maryland Department of Health
    State Anatomy Board

    Frequently Asked Questions

    To receive the body of a person who has donated his or her remains to the Anatomy Board for use in the advancement of medical research and education.

    Is there a need for body donations?

    Yes.  Donors are needed to support programs in medical education and research study.

    How do I donate my body to the Anatomy Board?

    By completing an Anatomy Board donor form.  You may write or telephone the Board to request this form and any additional information.

    Are there any charges to my estate or my family for the Anatomy Board's services?

    No.  All costs are paid by the State, including transportation, embalming, and cremation.

    Is there an age limit?

    The Anatomical Gift Act allows anyone 18 years of age or older to donate his or her body to the Board.

    May I also donate to organ bank programs?

    Yes.  If you are registered with an organ bank or the Driver's License Program, keep your card with any other identification you carry.

    Suppose I die out of State?

    If a signed donor dies in one of the states surrounding Maryland, the family will have the cost of transporting the body into the State -- usually the closest funeral home inside the Maryland border.  If a donor dies out of state and the distance to transport is unreasonable, then the closest Medical Teaching Facility should be notified, as well as the Anatomy Board's office.

    How may I cancel my donation?

    Your donation may be cancelled at any time by writing to the Anatomy Board.

    How is the Anatomy Board notified of my death?

    Notification to the Board is made immediately by the nursing home, hospital, or doctor in attendance.  If there is no attending physician, the local police department should be contacted immediately.  The Anatomy Board will arrange to have the body moved to its facility.

    What happens to the body when it is received by the Anatomy Board?

    The body is prepared for use in a medical program, and held until it is released for study.

    Who will use the body?

    The body will be used to support research and educational study programs at medical institutions.  The Anatomy Board serves medical and dental schools, resident teaching programs, and other related health, education, and research study programs.

    Is a funeral service held?

    No.  The Anatomy Board assumes immediate custody of the body, so a funeral service with the body present is not possible.  However, the family may elect to have a memorial service at any time.

    What about a death notice in the newspaper?

    The family may place an obituary notice, at their own expense.  The newspaper will confirm the death with the Anatomy Board prior to publication.

    What happens after the body has been used in a medical program?

    The body is returned to the Anatomy Board and cremated.

    How long is it from the time of removal by the Anatomy Board until cremation?

    In most cases, cremation will occur within a year to a year and a half, depending on when the body is released from the medical program.

    What happens to the ashes of the cremated body?

    Following cremation, the ashes are interred in a dedicated gravesite in Sykesville, Maryland.

    Can the ashes be returned to the family for burial or private disposition?

    Yes.  You may designate on your donation form that the ashes are to be returned to the family by listing the name, address and telephone number of the person to receive them.  The ashes will be returned in an urn suitable for burial or entombment.