Mortuary Science

The Minnesota Department of Health requests comments on its possible rules governing the disposition of the dead, transfer care specialists, and natural organic reduction. The Department is considering rules that give greater technical guidance for licensed morticians who are interested in creating a natural organic reduction facility to offer natural organic reduction as a service, and details for licensed morticians and family members about how reduced remains can be distributed after the natural organic reduction process. The Department is also considering rules around the registration requirements of transfer care specialists. Finally, the Department is considering minor rules around technical guidance for funeral homes and cremation facilities, as well as licensing.

For more details, please visit: Mortuary Science Request for Comments: Disposition of the Dead, Natural Organic Reduction, and Transfer Care Specialist Rulemaking.

Effective July 1, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requires registration for Transfer Care Specialists per the requirements of Minnesota Session Laws 2024, Regular Session, chapter 127, article 18. Registered Transfer Care Specialists are authorized to perform the removal of a dead human body from the place of death under direct supervision of a licensed mortician.

The full list of requirements and instructions for registration can be found at the Mortuary Science Transfer Care Specialist page.

If you have questions, please contact Mortuary Science at health.mortsci@state.mn.us or 651-201-4200.

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FEMA will help pay for funeral expenses incurred between Jan. 20, 2020 and May 11, 2023 for deaths related to COVID-19. See FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance webpage for who can apply, what expenses are covered, and the timeframe FEMA will accept applications. Visit FEMA for more information.