PURPOSE: This rule clarifies establishment license classifications, establishment names, and the documents to be maintained by licensed funeral homes. (1) Application for a Missouri licensed funeral establishment license shall be made on the forms provided by the board and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee. Applications are available from the board’s office or the board’s website at http://pr.mo.gov/embalmers.asp. Each application shall indicate which license classification is being sought.

1. (2) There shall be the following license classifications:

   1. (A) Function A establishments shall have authority to embalm dead human bodies and to transport dead human bodies to and from the funeral establishment. An establishment licensed only as a Function A establishment is prohibited from the care and preparation of dead human bodies other than by embalming, and shall also be prohibited from making funeral arrangements or embalming arrangements with any unlicensed person, cremating, conducting visitations and funeral ceremonies, and furnishing any funeral service in connection with the disposition of dead human bodies, or selling of funeral merchandise.
   2. (B) Function B establishments shall have authority to cremate dead human bodies and to transport dead human bodies to and from the funeral establishment. This establishment shall have a functioning cremation chamber except as otherwise provided by Chapter 333, RSMo, and the rules of the board. An establishment licensed only as a Function B establishment is prohibited from the care and preparation of dead human bodies other than by cremating, and shall also be prohibited from embalming, making funeral arrangements or cremation arrangements with any unlicensed person, conducting visitations and funeral ceremonies, and furnishing any funeral service in connection with the disposition of dead human bodies or selling funeral merchandise. In no event shall any licensee or licensed establishment cremate human remains in the same retort used for cremating non-human remains.
   3. (C) Function C establishments shall have authority for the care and preparation of dead human bodies, other than by embalming or cremating, authority to transport dead human bodies to and from the funeral establishment, make funeral arrangements, and furnish any funeral services in connection with the disposition of dead human bodies or the sale of funeral merchandise.
   4. (D) Function D establishments shall have authority to conduct visitations and funeral ceremonies only. A Function D license is dependent upon and shall be operated under the supervision and ownership of a Function C establishment.
2. (3) If a Missouri licensed funeral establishment wishes to change or add to its classification, it shall file a new application for a Missouri licensed funeral establishment indicating its new classification. If a Missouri licensed funeral establishment desires to eliminate one (1) of its functions, other than a Function C, it shall notify the board in writing of its intention to surrender the function, but is not required to file a new application for a new Missouri licensed funeral establishment.
3. (4) A Missouri licensed funeral establishment shall not be used for any other business purpose other than as a Missouri licensed funeral establishment. It shall be permissible for a Missouri licensed funeral establishment to be in the same building as another business so long as the Missouri licensed funeral establishment has a separate entrance and a separate street address.
4. (5) A Missouri licensed funeral establishment shall be used only for the function for which it is licensed.
5. (6) Each application for a funeral establishment shall be made in the name of the person or business entity authorized to conduct business in Missouri. No license shall be issued to an establishment that has no legal recognition. A Missouri licensed funeral establishment shall maintain a current and active authorization to conduct business in Missouri with the Missouri Secretary of State.
6. (7) A funeral establishment application shall indicate the name and license number of the Missouri licensed funeral director-in-charge, as defined by 20 CSR 2120-1.040. When the Missouri licensed funeral director-in-charge changes for a period of more than thirty (30) days, the new Missouri licensed funeral director-in-charge and the former Missouri licensed funeral director-in-charge, jointly or individually, shall notify the board of the change within thirty (30) days of the date when the change first occurs. Failure to notify the board shall be considered a violation of this rule on the part of each Missouri funeral director licensee and on the part of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment. A change in the Missouri licensed funeral director-in-charge does not require a new Missouri licensed funeral establishment license.
7. (8) Within thirty (30) days after an application for a Missouri licensed funeral establishment has been received in the board’s office, the board shall cause the establishment to be inspected. The board shall act on the application and, within thirty (30) days after the application was received in the board’s office, the applicant will be advised whether the license is granted or denied. If an applicant determines the establishment will not meet the qualifications for inspection or licensure within the thirty (30)-day application period, up to two (2) thirty (30)-day extensions of the application may be requested by the applicant in writing to the board before the application expires. Each request for an extension shall be received by the board prior to the expiration of the application or extension period.

8. (9) The establishment license issued by the board is effective for a fixed place or establishment and for a specific name of a person or entity authorized to conduct business in Missouri and may include one (1) “doing business as” name. The license issued by the board shall be displayed in a conspicuous location accessible to the general public at that location. Whenever the ownership, location, or name of the Missouri licensed establishment is changed, a new license shall be obtained. If the Missouri licensed funeral establishment maintains a chapel, preparation room, or other facility in a building or portion physically separated from and located at a place designated by an address differing from the office, chapel, or other facilities of the applicant, the chapel, preparation room, or other funeral facility otherwise located shall be deemed to be a separate funeral establishment. Nothing contained in this rule shall be construed or interpreted to require a separate registration for a building if it is joined or connected by a private passage, walk or driveway existing between the registered establishment and the other building.

   1. (A) If a change of ownership is caused by the elimination of one (1) or more owners, for whatever reason (death, sale of interest, divorce, etc.) without the addition of any new owner(s), it is not necessary to obtain a new establishment license. However, a new application for an establishment license form shall be filed as an amended application within thirty (30) days after the change of ownership. This form shall be filled out completely with correct, current information.
   2. (B) A corporation is considered by law to be a separate person. If a corporation owns a Missouri licensed funeral establishment, it is not necessary to obtain a new establishment license or to file an amended application for an establishment license if the owners of the stock change. However, as a separate person, if a corporation begins ownership of a Missouri licensed funeral establishment or ceas- 20 CSR 2120-2

es ownership of a Missouri licensed funeral establishment, a new establishment license shall be obtained regardless of the relationship of the previous or subsequent owner to the corporation.

1. (10) The professional business and practice of funeral directing shall be conducted only from a fixed place or establishment that has been licensed by the board except as permitted by section 333.071, RSMo. The Missouri licensed funeral establishment physical facility shall be under the general management and supervision of the Missouri licensed funeral director-in-charge. Every Missouri licensed funeral establishment shall provide and allow access to any member or duly authorized agent of the board for the purpose of inspection as provided by sections 333.061 and 333.101, RSMo. If any representative of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment fails or refuses to provide or allow access, it shall be considered a violation of this rule by the Missouri licensed funeral establishment and by the Missouri licensed funeral director-incharge of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment. Additionally, if the Missouri licensed funeral establishment representative who fails or refuses to provide or allow access holds any license or registration issued by this board, that person shall be in violation of this rule.
2. (11) No one licensed by this board may be employed in any capacity by an unlicensed funeral establishment. Violation of this section will be deemed misconduct in the practice of embalming or funeral directing.
3. (12) Only one (1) license will be issued by this board for any physical facility that is considered to be a Missouri licensed funeral establishment as defined by statute and rule. If a Missouri funeral establishment licensed by this board is destroyed by fire or some other disaster or act of God, the board, in its discretion, for a period of not more than six
4. (6) months, may allow the Missouri licensed funeral establishment to continue its operation from another Missouri licensed funeral establishment or from a facility that has not been licensed as a funeral establishment if the facility meets the minimum requirements for the functions outlined in section (2) of this rule.

5. (13) A Missouri licensed funeral establishment may use only its registered name in any advertisement or holding out to the public.

   1. (A) All signs, stationery and any advertising in newspapers, publications or otherwise, shall include the name(s) of the Missouri FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

licensed funeral establishment registered with the board. Advertisements that do not comply with this section shall be deemed misleading for the purposes of section 333.121, RSMo.

1. (B) It shall not be deemed to be misleading if a listing appears in a telephone directory or national directory if the name of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment changes after the listing has been placed, but before a new directory is published.

1. (14) The interior and exterior of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment physical plant shall be kept free and clean of litter, dirt, debris, and clutter or other objects or conditions which present a potential or actual hazard to the health, safety, or welfare of the public.
2. (15) The interior and exterior of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment physical plant shall be maintained in a manner that does not present a potential or actual hazard to the health, safety, or welfare of the public.
3. (16) Each Missouri licensed funeral establishment used solely or partially for embalming shall contain a preparation room that shall be devoted to activities incident or related to the preparation or the embalming, or both, of dead human remains and shall be equipped and maintained as described in 20 CSR 2120- 2.090.
4. (17) No person shall be permitted in a preparation room during the course of embalming a dead human body except the employees of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment in that the human body is being embalmed, members of the family of the deceased, and persons authorized by the members of the family of the deceased, or any person otherwise authorized by law.
5. (18) Each Missouri licensed funeral establishment which is used solely or partially for cremations shall be equipped and maintained as described in 20 CSR 2120-2.071.
6. (19) Each Function C establishment shall contain a separate area for the care and custody of dead human remains and a separate area for confidential conferences to arrange funeral services. The Function C establishment shall have on-site equipment necessary for arranging funeral services including tables or desks and chairs for funeral service arrangement conferences and file cabinets for the confidential storage of funeral records.
7. (20) Each Function C or Function D establishment shall contain a restroom, available drinking water, and an area where funeral ceremonies or visitations may be conducted. The establishment shall be equipped with seating for visitations or funeral ceremonies, casket bier, register book stand, officiate stand, flower display stands, and music-producing equipment.

8. (21) According to section 333.121.2(17), RSMo, the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors may impose disciplinary action for failure to obtain authorization to embalm from the person entitled to custody or control of the body, if the body is embalmed. If the body is not embalmed, a Missouri licensed funeral establishment shall not hold the unembalmed body for any longer than twenty-four (24) hours unless the unembalmed body is refrigerated in a cooling unit at a temperature of forty degrees Fahrenheit (40° F) or cooler or encased in an airtight metal or metal-lined burial case, casket or box that is closed and hermetically sealed. If the deceased gave written authorization to embalm and did not revoke the authorization, the authorization shall satisfy this requirement. If the deceased did not give written authorization to embalm, the next of kin of the deceased may give authorization to embalm. Authorization to embalm may be given by the next of kin prior to the death of the person whose body is to be embalmed. Authorization to embalm given prior to death may be in any written document, including a preneed contract.

   1. (A) The next of kin, for purposes of this rule, shall be as defined in section 194.119.2, RSMo.
   2. (B) Any person or friend who assumes responsibility for the disposition of the de - ceased’s remains if no next of kin assumes such responsibility may authorize to embalm the deceased;
   3. (C) The county coroner or medical examiner pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 58, RSMo may authorize to embalm the deceased;
   4. (D) If the body is required to be buried at public expense, the body shall be disposed of according to the terms of section 194.150, RSMo;
   5. (E) If the Missouri licensed funeral establishment receives no authorization to embalm from any of the persons identified in subsections (21)(A), (B), or (C) of this rule, the Missouri licensed funeral establishment may proceed with embalming if it has attempted to locate a person from whom authorization to embalm may be obtained for at least six (6) hours and it has a written statement from city, county, or state law enforcement officials that they have assisted the Missouri licensed funeral establishment in attempting to locate such a person. However, the Missouri licensed embalmer may proceed to embalm sooner if the condition of the body is such that waiting for six (6) hours would substantially impair the ability to effectively embalm the body or if the deceased died as a result of a communicable disease, was subject to isolation at the time of death; and
   6. (F) If a Missouri licensed embalmer proceeds to embalm a body under the provisions of subsection (21)(E), the Missouri licensed funeral establishment which employs the Missouri licensed embalmer shall not require payment for the embalming unless the funeral arrangements that are subsequently made authorized the embalming.

9. (22) Each Missouri licensed funeral establishment shall maintain documentation of the following information regarding authorization to embalm a body which is embalmed by or on behalf of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment—

   1. (A) When authorization to embalm is given in writing:

      1. 1. The name and signature of the person

who is authorizing embalming;

1. 2. The relationship of that person to the

deceased;

1. 3. The time and date authorization to

embalm was given; and

1. 4. The name and title of the person

receiving authorization to embalm on behalf of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment; and

1. (B) Authorization to embalm shall be given in writing if the person authorizing embalming is present in the Missouri licensed funeral establishment or in the physical presence of the person receiving authorization to embalm on behalf of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment. If verbal authorization to embalm is given, the Missouri licensed funeral establishment shall document:

   1. 1. The name of the person who is actu-

ally authorizing embalming, if different from the person who is verbally communicating authorization to embalm to the Missouri licensed funeral establishment;

1. 2. The relationship of that person to the

deceased;

1. 3. The name of the person who is ver-

bally communicating authorization to embalm and that person’s relationship to the person who is actually authorizing embalming;

1. 4. The time and date authorization to

embalm was given; and

1. 5. The name and title of the person

receiving authorization to embalm on behalf of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment.

1. (23) Each Function C funeral establishment shall maintain on the Missouri premises the following documents:

   1. (A) General price list;
   2. (B) Preneed contracts which have been cancelled or fulfilled;
   3. (C) Purchase agreements; and
   4. (D) Authorizations to embalm or cremate.
2. (24) Each Function A funeral establishment licensed for embalming shall maintain on the premises in the preparation room a register log.

3. (25) Each Function B funeral establishment licensed for cremation shall maintain on the premises a completely functioning cremation chamber, as defined by 20 CSR 2120- 2.071(1)(D), and maintain on the premises in the cremation area a cremation log. A Function B establishment shall not be in violation of this rule if the cremation chamber is completely restored to functioning capacity within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date the cremation chamber ceases to be in compliance with this section. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, and the cremation chamber could not be repaired, documentation of such shall be provided to the board for review and approval. Cremation chambers shall be maintained in proper working order and in compliance with all applicable Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services statutes, rules and regulations; Missouri Department of Natural Resources, statutes, rules and regulations; and all other applicable federal, city, county, and municipal statutes, rules and regulations.

   1. (A) If a Function B establishment has only one (1) cremation chamber, and that chamber is not functioning, notification from the establishment shall be made to the board within ten (10) business days after the cremation chamber stops functioning.

   2. (B) A Function B establishment that has a nonfunctioning cremation chamber may arrange for cremation at another licensed establishment, if the use of an alternate establishment for purposes of cremation is disclosed to the third party making the arrangements on the cremation authorization form.

      1. 1. Cremation areas shall contain only

the articles, instruments, and items that are necessary for the preparation and cremation of dead human bodies. For purposes of this section, the cremation area shall include the entire room where the retort is located and any rooms used for viewing or visitation of a dead human body awaiting cremation or that is being cremated or being removed from the cremation chamber. This paragraph (25)(B)1. shall not apply to establishments containing retorts or cremation areas for the cremation of non-human remains prior to April 1, 2008, provided that such establishment shall be prohibited from cremating human remains at the same time or in the same retort as non-human remains.

1. 2. Any establishment containing an area

for the cremation of non-human remains prior to April 1, 2008, shall be required to comply with this rule if a change of ownership is caused by the addition or replacement of one (1) or more owners or a new corporation begins ownership of the establishment. This paragraph (25)(B)2. shall not apply if only the owners of the stock of a corporation changes.

1. 3. In no event shall any licensee or

licensed establishment cremate human remains in the same retort used for cremating non-human remains.

1. (26) All documents required by this rule to be maintained, shall be maintained on the premises of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment for two (2) years from the date the record was created. All documents required to be maintained by this rule may be maintained electronically, but all documents shall be stored in such a manner to allow access by the board and so the board, or its assignee, may easily and timely obtain hard copies or electronic copies in a format easily readable by the board, or its assignee.
2. (27) Each funeral establishment shall maintain a register log, as defined by 20 CSR 2120-1.040(21). The log shall be kept in the preparation or embalming room of the Missouri licensed funeral establishment at all times and in full view for a board inspector. If the funeral establishment does not contain a preparation or embalming room, the log shall be kept on the premises of the licensed funeral establishment and shall be easily accessible and in full view for a board inspector. A register log shall contain the information required by 20 CSR 2120-1.040(21).
3. (28) No dead human body shall be buried, disinterred, interred, or cremated within this state or removed from this state, unless the burial, disinterment, interment, cremation, removal, or other authorized disposition, is performed under the direction of a Missouri licensed funeral establishment or Missouri licensed funeral director, unless otherwise authorized by law. If the disinterment does not require legal notification to the county coroner or medical examiner, a funeral director’s presence may not be required. Nothing in this rule shall be interpreted to require the 20 CSR 2120-2

use of a Missouri licensed funeral establishment or director if the person(s) having the right to control the incidents of burial request or determine otherwise, provided that this provision does not exempt any person from licensure as required by Chapter 333, RSMo.

1. (29) A licensee shall be prohibited from knowingly using, placing, or including any false, misleading, deceptive or materially incorrect information, or assisting or enabling any person to provide such information, on a death certificate filed in the state of Missouri.
2. (30) Whenever a dead human body is donated to a medical or educational institution for medical and/or scientific study and arrangements for return of the body to the legal next of kin have not been made, then delivery of the body to the medical or educational institution shall constitute final disposition. If, however, arrangements for return of the body to the legal next of kin have been made, then final disposition shall be the burial, interment, cremation, or removal of the body out of this state, after the medical or educational institution has returned the body.
3. (31) The rules in this division are declared severable. If any rule, or section of a rule, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction or by the Administrative Hearing Commission, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or by the Administrative Hearing Commission.

AUTHORITY: sections 333.061 and 333.121, RSMo Supp. 2008 and sections 333.091, 333.111, and 333.145, RSMo 2000.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 120-2.070. Original rule filed Oct. 17, 1975, effective Oct. 28, 1975. Amended: Filed Aug. 16, 1976, effective Dec. 11, 1976. Emergency rule filed Nov. 9, 1978, effective Nov. 20, 1978, expired Feb. 11, 1979. Rescinded and readopted: Filed Nov. 8, 1978, effective Feb. 11, 1979. Rescinded and readopted: Filed Jan. 13, 1982, effective April 11, 1982. Amended: Filed Aug. 6, 1982, effective Nov. 11, 1982. Amended: Filed Sept. 12, 1985, effective Dec. 26, 1985. Rescinded and readopted: Filed May 28, 1987, effective Sept. 11, 1987. Amended: Filed June 24, 1988, effective Sept. 29, 1988. Amended: Filed Sept. 6, 1988, effective Dec. 11, 1988. Amended: Filed Sept. 6, 1989, effective Dec. 28, 1989. Amended: Filed Dec. 4, 1989, effective March 11, 1990. Amended: Filed Sept. 5, 1990, effective March 14, 1991. Amended: Filed March 4, 1991, effective Sept. 30, 1991. FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION Amended: Filed Aug. 15, 1991, effective Jan. 13, 1992. Amended: Filed Dec. 14, 1992, effective June 7, 1993. Amended: Filed Nov. 29, 1994, effective July 30, 1995. Amended: Filed Sept. 3, 1996, effective April 30, 1997. Amended: Filed Nov. 1, 2001, effective April 30, 2002. Rescinded and readopted: Filed Dec. 31, 2003, effective July 30, 2004. Moved to 20 CSR 2120-2.070, effective Aug. 28, 2006. Amended: Filed Nov. 15, 2007, effective May 30, 2008. Amended: Filed April 8, 2009, effective Oct. 30, 2009.

*Original authority: 333.061, RSMo 1965, amended 1981, 2001; 333.091, RSMo 1965, amended 1981; 333.111, RSMo 1965, amended 1981, 1993, 1995; 333.121, RSMo 1965, amended 1981, 2007; and 333.145, RSMo 1981.