Mortuary Science
Transfer Care Specialist

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. 

Requirements

• A registered Transfer Care Specialist must be an employee of a funeral establishment licensed in the state of Minnesota.
• Registered Transfer Care Specialists must work under the direct supervision of a mortician who is licensed in the state of Minnesota and employed by a Minnesota licensed establishment.
  • For a Transfer Care Specialist, direct supervision means that the supervisor is available by being physically present, or by telephone, to advise and correct, as needed, the performance of the transfer care specialist.
• A licensed mortician may supervise up to four Transfer Care Specialists at any one time.
• The supervising mortician is responsible for the work performed by the Transfer Care Specialist and may be subject to discipline based on this performance.
• Applicants must complete a training program of at least seven hours including education in:
  • Ethical care and transportation procedures for a deceased person.
  • Health and safety concerns to the public and the individual performing the transfer of the deceased person, and the use of universal precautions and other reasonable precautions to minimize the risk for transmitting communicable diseases.
  • All relevant state and federal laws and regulations related to the transfer and transportation of deceased persons.

MDH will accept proof of completion of at least seven hours of continuing education in Mortuary Science, with at least one hour in each of the above noted areas, as proof of completion of the required training program. Note that these initial continuing education credits will not count toward the three hours of annual continuing education required under Minnesota Session Laws 2024, regular session, chapter 127, article 18, section 7, subdivision 4 (b). 

Registration

To apply for registration as a transfer care specialist you must submit:

• Completed Mortuary Science Transfer Care Specialist Registration Application (PDF)
• An application fee of $226.00 
• Proof of training program completion 

Submit all materials using the MDH Facility and Provider Licensing System. 

Registration renewal

To apply for registration renewal as a transfer care specialist you must submit:

• Completed Mortuary Science Transfer Care Specialist Renewal Application (PDF)
• An application fee of $226.00
• Proof of three-hour continuing education requirement

Submit all materials using the MDH Facility and Provider Licensing System.

Contact information

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