Source: http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=4645
Timestamp: 2017-09-23 18:13:32
Document Index: 520688315

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54']

Vol. 31 Iss. 3 (Proposed Regulation) 18VAC65-20, Regulations Of The Board Of Funeral Directors And Embalmers October 06, 2014
October 7, 2014 - 10 a.m. - Department of Health Professions, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, 2nd Floor, Suite 201, Board Room #2, Henrico, Virginia 23233
Basis: Section 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia establishes the general powers and duties of health regulatory boards including the responsibility of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers to promulgate regulations, administer a registration and renewal program, and discipline regulated professionals.
Chapter 377 of the 2010 Acts of the Assembly amended § 54.1-2818.1 of the Code of Virginia and provided the specific mandate to adopt regulations for identification of human remains as a prerequisite for cremation.
Purpose: The intent of the regulatory action is compliance with the second enactment of Chapter 377 of the 2010 Acts of the Assembly. While the statute is fairly explicit about the prerequisites for cremation, the regulation further amplifies how visual identification can be done – through viewing the remains or a photograph or by use of unique identifiers and markings. If positive identification must be used, the regulations specify who may be consulted for that purpose.
In order to ensure that authorization for cremation can be obtained in accordance with § 54.1-2818.1 in a timely manner, the proposed regulation expands on the statutory mandate for visual identification or, if that is not feasible, positive identification. Visual identification may be accomplished by viewing unique identifiers or markings (tattoos, birth marks, etc.). If positive identification must be used, a crematory may consult with law enforcement for fingerprints, DNA, etc., with the local medical examiner, or with medical personnel at a hospital or other facility. The proposed amendments clarify the statute for better implementation, and families or designated persons are able to achieve closure in a more humanely and timely manner. Proper identification of human remains prior to cremation is essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the public because it is necessary to ensure that misidentified or unidentified persons are not cremated. Cremation eliminates the possibility that a lost loved one could later be identified or that the remains may provide evidence in a criminal investigation.
Substance: Section 54.1-2818.1 of the Code of Virginia requires "visual identification" of the deceased before cremation; proposed regulations clarify that visual identification may be made by viewing unique identifiers or markings on the remains. Further, the Code of Virginia allows the use of positive identification if visual identification is not possible. Proposed regulations clarify that a crematory may use positive identification of the deceased in consultation with law enforcement, a medical examiner, or medical personnel.
Issues: The primary advantage to the public is further clarification of the statutory requirements for identification of a body prior to cremation. The proposed amendments allow the statute to be more clearly implemented, and families or designated persons are able to achieve closure in a more humanely and timely manner. There are no disadvantages. While there are no advantages or disadvantages to the agency, greater clarity of law and regulation can resolve questions and issues that are sometimes fielded by board staff.
Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. To comply with the second enactment of Chapter 377 of the 2010 Acts of the Assembly, the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers (Board) proposes to amend its regulations by 1) adding references to the specific Code of Virginia section that sets legislative rules for identification of decedents before they are cremated, 2) adding language that specifies decedents may be identified by viewing unique identifiers or markings on the decedent and 3) clarifying that crematories must consult with law enforcement, a medical examiner or medical personnel before identifying a body when visual identification is not possible.
Estimated Economic Impact. Current regulations note that crematories must take certain actions in accordance with the Code of Virginia. The Board now proposes to add the specific Code references (§ 54.1-2818.1, § 54.1-2825 and § 54.1-2984) to which regulated entities can refer in the Code. The Board also proposes to specify that decedents may be identified by unique identifiers or markings and that crematories must identify decedents for whom visual identification is not possible in consultation with law enforcement, a medical examiner or medical personnel.
Adding Code references and clarifying that positive identification (with fingerprints, DNA, dental records, etc.) must be made in consultation with official entities who would ascertain who the decedent is will benefit readers of these regulations and owners of crematories by making the regulations more understandable. No entity is likely to incur costs on account of these changes.
Adding language to these regulations that allows visual identification of a decedent's unique identifiers or markers (scars, birth marks, tattoos, etc.) will benefit family members or friends who have to identify their deceased loved ones. These individuals will have the option of only viewing the identifying markers on the deceased, or even pictures of the identifying markers, which may make identification a less traumatic experience. Again, no entity is likely to incur costs on account of this change.
Businesses and Entities Affected. The Department of Health Professions reports that there are 97 crematories registered in the Commonwealth.
Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers concurs with the economic impact analysis of the Department of Planning and Budget.
The proposed amendments (i) specify that decedents may be identified by viewing unique identifiers or markings on the decedents and (ii) clarify that crematories must consult with law enforcement, a medical examiner, or medical personnel before identifying a body when visual identification is not possible.
18VAC65-20-436. Standards for registered crematories or funeral establishments relating to cremation.
1. A crematory shall require a cremation authorization form executed in person or electronically in a manner that provides a copy of an original signature in accordance with § 54.1-2818.1 of the Code of Virginia.
2. The cremation authorization form shall include an attestation of visual identification of the deceased from a viewing of the remains or a photograph signed by the person making the identification. Visual identification may be made by viewing unique identifiers or markings on the remains. The identification attestation shall either be given on the cremation authorization form or on an identification form attached to the cremation authorization form.
3. In the event visual identification is not feasible, a crematory may use other positive identification of the deceased in consultation with law enforcement, a medical examiner, or medical personnel as a prerequisite for cremation pursuant to § 54.1-2818.1 of the Code of Virginia.
VA.R. Doc. No. R13-2543; Filed September 8, 2014, 1:53 p.m.