This bill establishes new regulations for the licensure of crematory operators and funeral establishments in Iowa. It mandates that the board of mortuary science adopt rules for the licensure of crematory operators, requiring applicants to complete a minimum of twelve hours of education and practical instruction in operating crematory equipment. 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 ensuring that only licensed funeral directors can operate funeral establishments.

The bill also aligns the penalties and prohibitions for crematory operators with those already in place for funeral directors. It makes it a simple misdemeanor for crematory operators to pay or receive commissions for securing business, with penalties including confinement for up to 30 days and fines ranging from $105 to $855. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new subsection that outlines the requirements for obtaining a cremation establishment license, including the submission of ownership details and the license numbers of employed funeral directors or crematory operators. Lastly, it specifies that individuals who falsely complete affidavits in the licensing process will face penalties associated with making false affidavits.

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