The bill amends Chapter 5-33.2 of the General Laws, introducing new definitions and updating existing ones related to funeral services. It defines "Disposition facility" as a place for reducing human remains by cremation or natural organic reduction (NOR), with "Natural organic reduction" being the conversion of human remains to soil. The bill mandates that funeral establishments, branch offices, and disposition facilities be inspected at least twice a year and requires these facilities to obtain a license from the department to conduct cremations or NOR. It also sets rules for the handling, processing, and storage of human remains, and outlines the order of priority for individuals authorized to make decisions about funeral arrangements and the disposition of remains.

Section 2 of the bill updates the fees payable to the Department of Health, including those related to funeral directors/embalmers and funeral service establishments. It introduces a new legal insertion to include "natural organic reduction disposition" alongside cremation certificates and specifies various fees for health care and food service professionals. The bill also amends Section 23-3-18 concerning vital records, requiring a burial permit and a cremation or NOR certificate from the Rhode Island office of state medical examiners before these processes can occur, and stipulates a waiting period of at least 24 hours after death. The bill takes effect upon passage and aims to regulate the operation and duties of natural organic reduction facilities.

Statutes affected:
2877: 23-1-54, 23-3-18