§30-6-22b. Certification for alkaline hydrolysis of human remains.

(a) No person, funeral establishment, corporation, partnership, joint venture, voluntary organization, or other entity shall hydrolyze human remains without first obtaining a certificate from the board.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by this article, a certificate for the hydrolysis of human remains shall have the same requirements and fees as for the licensing of crematories under this article. The alkaline hydrolysis of human remains shall be conducted in compliance with all requirements for cremation.

(c) The board shall have the same powers to regulate, enforce, discipline, and inspect alkaline hydrolysis certificate holders and the practice of alkaline hydrolysis that have been granted under this article for the regulation, enforcement, discipline, and inspection of crematories and the practice of cremation.

(d) Any solid remains or residue remaining after alkaline hydrolysis shall be treated and disposed of as cremated remains under this article. Disposal of liquid waste shall be subject to all applicable health and environmental laws and regulations.

(e) Human remains shall be hydrolyzed in an alkaline hydrolysis container and may not be required to be hydrolyzed in a casket.

(f) Unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer of the equipment used for alkaline hydrolysis, human remains may be hydrolyzed without first removing a pacemaker or defibrillator. Any other potentially hazardous implanted device or material shall be handled in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.

(g) The board shall promulgate legislative rules necessary to define the education and requirements for the certification to perform alkaline hydrolysis.