New legislative changes that will help the health authority decide how to manage unclaimed human remains passed in the House of Assembly this week.

That could now allow some of the 32 unclaimed bodies currently stored in freezers in the basement of the Health Sciences Centre to finally be respectfully buried.

The Department of Health says there are a variety of reasons why some remains may go unclaimed, including the inability to find next of kin, family who refuse to claim a body, or an ongoing investigation by the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.

Health Minister John Hogan says before the legislative changes were made, there was no consistent approach as to how to handle unclaimed human remains.

“This is an important issue” Hogan told the house this week. “Newfoundlanders and Labradorians know that it’s important not to forget those who have passed away. Bill 85 will allow NLHS to dispose of unclaimed remains in a respectful manner, and avoid having to store remains for a long period of time when no-one comes forward to claim them.”

Bill 85 amends the provincial Health Authority Act and the Fatalities Investigation Act outlining a for NLHS to follow for the timely, efficient and respectful disposition of unclaimed remains.