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 specialized course in cremation from a nationally recognized organization. Additionally, the bill allows funeral directors to obtain a crematory operator license by submitting an application. It also clarifies that while both crematory operators and funeral directors can operate a cremation establishment, only licensed funeral directors can operate a funeral establishment.

The bill 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. It also stipulates that any false affidavit made during the application process for a crematory establishment license will incur penalties associated with making a false affidavit. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulation of cremation services and ensure compliance with established standards in the industry.

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