Subd. 1. Purpose.

This chapter regulates the removal, preparation, transportation, arrangements for disposition, and final disposition of dead human bodies for purposes of public health and protection of the public.

Subd. 2. Scope.

In Minnesota no person shall, without being licensed by the commissioner of health:

1. (1) take charge of, remove from the place of death, or transport a dead human body;
2. (2) prepare a dead human body for final disposition, in any manner; or
3. (3) arrange, direct, or supervise a funeral, memorial service, or graveside service.

Subd. 3. Exceptions to licensure.

1. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, nothing in this chapter shall in any way interfere with the duties of:

   1. (1) an officer of any public institution;
   2. (2) an officer of a medical college, county medical society, anatomical association, or accredited college of mortuary science;
   3. (3) a donee of an anatomical gift;
   4. (4) a person engaged in the performance of duties prescribed by law relating to the conditions under which unclaimed dead human bodies are held subject to anatomical study;
   5. (5) authorized personnel from a licensed ambulance service in the performance of their duties;
   6. (6) licensed medical personnel in the performance of their duties; or
   7. (7) the coroner or medical examiner in the performance of the duties of their offices.
2. (b) This chapter does not apply to or interfere with the customs or rites of any culture or recognized religion in the final disposition of their dead, to the extent that the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the customs or rites.
3. (c) Noncompensated persons related by blood, adoption, or marriage to a decedent who chose to remove a body of a decedent from the place of death, transport the body, prepare the body for disposition, except embalming, or arrange for final disposition of the body are not required to be licensed, provided that all actions are in compliance with this chapter.
4. (d) Noncompensated persons acting pursuant to the lawful directive of a decedent who remove a body of the decedent from the place of death, transport the body, prepare the body for disposition, except embalming, or arrange for final disposition of the body are not required to be licensed, provided that all actions are otherwise in compliance with this chapter.
5. (e) Persons serving internships pursuant to section 149A.20, subdivision 6, or students officially registered for a practicum through an accredited college or university or a college of funeral service education accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education are not required to be licensed, provided that the persons or students act under the direct and exclusive supervision of a person holding a current license to practice mortuary science in Minnesota.
6. (f) Notwithstanding this subdivision, nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an institution or entity from establishing, implementing, or enforcing a policy that permits only persons licensed by the commissioner to remove or cause to be removed a dead body or body part from the institution or entity.