- A. Unless prevented by emergency circumstances, human remains that have been designated for natural organic reduction shall be placed in a vessel and begin natural organic reduction services within 48 hours of receipt.
- B. A registered reduction operator may not hold human remains for natural organic reduction unless the human remains are contained within a reduction container.
- C. A registered reduction operator may not accept a reduction container from which there is any evidence of leakage of bodily fluids from the human remains therein.
- D. Whenever a registered reduction operator is unable to perform natural organic reduction services on a decedent within 48 hours of taking custody thereof due to emergency circumstances, the registered reduction operator shall maintain the human remains in a refrigerated holding facility, either on or off site, at 44° F or less.
- E. If any remains exhibit an objectionable odor either at delivery or at any time thereafter, reduction of such remains shall commence as soon as possible after they have been accepted by the registered reduction operator or as soon as possible after the objectionable odor is first detected.
Authority: Business Regulation Article, §5-204, Annotated Code of Maryland
Effective date: March 30, 2026 (53:6 Md. R. 287)