Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 69K-33.001 - Requirements Regarding Handling and Storing of Human Remains

(1) Funeral establishments shall establish a system of identification of human remains received. This system shall be designed to track the identity of the remains from the time of receipt until delivery of the remains to the authorized persons. This is in addition to the requirements for identification of human remains set forth in section 497.171, F.S.

(2)

(a) All human remains in the possession of a chapter 497, F.S., licensee shall be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below commencing 24 hours after death, unless the remains have by then been embalmed.

(b) Un-embalmed remains once placed in refrigeration shall not be removed from refrigeration, until removed for final disposition and as may be necessary for transportation, identification, viewing or similar service, or for containment or treatment as required by paragraphs (2)(g)-(i) of this rule.

(c) Human remains shall be completely covered immediately prior to exiting the place of removal and completely covered while being transported and stored.

(d) Human remains while held at an establishment or facility licensed under chapter 497, F.S., shall be kept out of sight of the public, except when, with the approval of a licensed funeral director and/or embalmer, particular remains are intentionally exposed to a legally authorized person, to one or more family members of the decedent, at a viewing, or at a funeral service or burial service.

(e) As used in this rule, the term "vermin" includes all insects, insect larvae, and rodents.

(f) All human remains received at a licensed establishment or facility shall within 24 hours of receipt at the establishment or facility be inspected by the establishment's operational staff for the presence of vermin infestation, and if same is detected, the remains shall be promptly treated for containment or elimination of same; elimination, if necessary, shall be performed by a funeral director & embalmer, embalmer, or an intern or apprentice of same. Such treatment shall not constitute embalming and shall not require the approval of a legally authorized person.

(g) Embalmed remains not stored in refrigeration or entombed in a cemetery shall be inspected at least once every 48 hours by operational staff of the establishment or facility. Any vermin infestation, mold, or mildew noted on the remains shall be promptly and effectively treated for containment or elimination of same; elimination, if necessary, shall be performed by a funeral director & embalmer, embalmer, or an intern or apprentice of same.

(h) Human remains stored in refrigeration shall be inspected by operational staff of the establishment or facility at each handling and no less than monthly. Any vermin infestation, mold, or mildew noted on the remains shall be promptly and effectively treated for containment or elimination of same; elimination, if necessary, shall be performed by a funeral director & embalmer, embalmer, or an intern or apprentice of same. Such treatment shall not constitute embalming and shall not require the approval of a legally authorized person.

(i) The requirement that human remains be handled, stored, and treated by all chapter 497, F.S., licensees with dignity and respect in accordance with chapter 497, F.S., and rules thereunder is not contingent on payment to the licensee of amounts due for professional services by the licensee.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 69K-33.001

Rulemaking Authority 497.103(1)(n), 497.386(4) FS. Law Implemented 497.386(4) FS.

New 2-28-02, Formerly 61G8-33.001, Amended 8-5-13, Amended by Florida Register Volume 43, Number 225, November 21, 2017 effective 12/6/2017.

New 2-28-02, Formerly 61G8-33.001, Amended 8-5-13, 12-6-17.