HB 3488

Abstract

Creates the Disposition of Remains of the Indigent Act. Provides that if private funds are not available for the funeral or burial of a decedent, then State or local officials shall refer a family member, executor, or agent empowered to direct the disposition of a decedent's remains to the option of donating the remains to an institution of medical, mortuary, or other sciences on the registry created under the Act. Provides that such family member, executor, or agent shall be responsible for authorizing such use. Provides that unclaimed cadavers held by any State facility, hospital, institution, morgue, or other place for bodies of deceased persons may be turned over to an institution on the registry. Contains provisions requiring the directors of State facilities with possession of unclaimed human remains to make reasonable efforts to contact family and other responsible parties. Contains provisions concerning circumstances in which family or other responsible parties request the remains and situations when they fail to do so. Contains other provisions concerning what the State facility with humans remains shall do. Provides that the Department of Human Services may pay a funeral home or an institution of medical, mortuary, or other science an allowance for funeral and burial costs. Contains provisions concerning the disposition of the remains after use of the remains by a registered institution. Requires the Department of Public Health to maintain a registry of institutions qualifying as institutions of medical, mortuary, or other sciences eligible to receive donations under the Act. Contains provisions concerning requirements for the registry and granting the Department of Public Health rulemaking and other powers.