Section 641.97.11. Removal of a dead human body or fetus.

       97.11(1) A person assuming custody of a dead human body shall:

        a.           Contact the attending physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner and receive assurance that the death was from natural causes and that the physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner will assume responsibility for certifying to the cause of death; or

        b.           Contact the medical examiner and receive authorization to remove the dead human body if the case is within the jurisdiction of the medical examiner.

       97.11(2) A person assuming custody of a dead human fetus shall:

        a.           Contact the attending physician and receive assurance that the death was from natural causes and that the physician will assume responsibility for certifying to the cause of fetal death; or

        b.           Contact the medical examiner and receive authorization to remove the dead human fetus if the case is within the jurisdiction of the medical examiner.

       97.11(3) A person other than a funeral director, medical examiner, or emergency medical service provider who assumes custody of a dead human body or fetus shall first register the certificate of death or fetal death and then secure a burial-transit permit pursuant to rule 641—97.12(144) prior to removal of the dead human body or fetus from the place of death.

[ARC 0483C, IAB 12/12/12, effective 1/16/13; see Delay note at end of chapter]