DHDTC DAL 18-06: Release of Bodies to Funeral Directors/Funeral Home Staff

March 26, 2018

Dear Chief Executive Officer:

This letter is to advise you of existing requirements for the release of bodies to funeral directors/funeral home staff.

Title 10 NYCRR §77.7(1) requires that a licensed and registered funeral director or a registered resident must be present and personally supervise and arrange for the removal or transfer of each dead human body from the place where death occurs, whether a hospital, nursing home, hospice residence, or private residence.

Additionally, the person or institution having lawful possession and control of a dead human body is required to request the person seeking to obtain the release of the body to produce his/her current certificate of registration or "pocket card" issued by the New York State Department of Health showing that he/she is personally entitled to practice as a funeral director or registered resident in New York State.

For a current list of licensed funeral directors, you may check the Bureau of Funeral Directing webpage at: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/funeral_director/reports/fd_alpha.htm

It is recommended that all hospitals review these requirements to ensure that they are in compliance when releasing bodies to funeral home staff.

Thank you for your attention to these important requirements. Should you have any questions, please contact the Bureau of Funeral Directing at 518-402-0785.

Sincerely,

Ruth Leslie
Director
Division of Hospitals and Diagnostic & Treatment Centers