Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Business & Financial Services Committee |
HB 1691
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning embalmers.
Sponsors: Representatives Kirby, Anderson, Springer, Eddy, Ryu, Morris and Stanford.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/1/11
Staff: Alison Hellberg (786-7152).
Background:
Dead bodies of persons that will be buried at the public expense are required to be surrendered to a physician or surgeon. These bodies must be used for the advancement of anatomical science. Preference is given to medical schools in this state for their use in the instruction of medical students.
Embalmers are regulated by the Department of Licensing. In order to be licensed, an applicant must complete the required education in mortuary science, complete an embalmer internship, and successfully pass an examination.
Summary of Bill:
In addition to surrendering dead bodies that will be buried at the public expense to a physician or surgeon, these bodies may be surrendered to accredited educational institutions offering funeral services and embalming programs. The bodies must be used in training embalming students under the supervision of a licensed embalmer.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.