The bill amends several sections of Chapter 5-33.2 of the General Laws, which governs funeral directors, embalmers, and funeral service establishments. It introduces new definitions for "disposition facility," "natural organic reduction (NOR)," and "natural organic reduction facility," clarifying the processes for handling human remains. The terminology is updated by replacing "crematory" with "disposition facility" throughout the text, reflecting a broader range of services that includes both cremation and natural organic reduction.

The bill mandates that no disposition facility can conduct these processes without a license from the department and outlines the necessary permits and consents required prior to any disposition. It specifies that disposition of human remains must occur without unreasonable delay and that a disposition facility shall not simultaneously conduct the process of reduction of more than one human remain within the same disposition chamber.

Additionally, the bill establishes a clear hierarchy for decision-making regarding funeral arrangements in the absence of a contract, prioritizing designated agents and close relatives. It introduces a permit requirement for disinterment and re-interment, which must be issued by the local registrar of vital records. The legislation also specifies that cremation or natural organic reduction cannot occur until at least twenty-four hours after death, unless the deceased had a contagious disease.

Key changes include the introduction of a "natural organic reduction certificate" and the requirement for disposition facilities to retain a duplicate of this certificate while sending the original to the state division of vital records. Overall, the bill aims to modernize regulations surrounding funeral services and enhance public health protections.

Statutes affected:
195: 23-1-54, 23-3-18