This bill amends the Code of Iowa to establish licensure requirements for crematory operators and to regulate funeral establishments. It introduces a new definition for "crematory operator" and mandates that the board of mortuary science adopt rules for their licensure, which includes completing a minimum of twelve hours of education and practical instruction in crematory equipment operation. The bill stipulates that a funeral director can obtain a crematory operator license if they have not had their funeral director license revoked or suspended within the past two years. Additionally, it allows licensed crematory operators and funeral directors to operate cremation establishments, while requiring that those operating funeral establishments must be licensed as funeral directors.

The bill also aligns the penalties and prohibitions for crematory operators with those already in place for funeral directors, making it a simple misdemeanor to pay or accept commissions for securing business. Furthermore, it establishes that any individual who falsely completes an affidavit in the application for a crematory establishment license will face penalties associated with making a false affidavit. The bill includes various amendments to existing sections of the Code, such as the addition of new subsections and the removal of outdated language, to ensure clarity and compliance with the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 156.1, 156.9, 147.87, 156.14, 156.15