04/16/2024

Senate Passes Bills Regulating Removal Services and Refrigeration Facilities

Senate passes bills regulating removal services and refrigeration facilities

 The Michigan Senate on Tuesday approved two measures that would regulate refrigeration facilities and removal services by a vote of 26-12. MFDA strongly supported both bills.

The bills, Senate Bills 544 and 545, are sponsored by state Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D – Eastpointe), and would require that removal services be registered with the state of Michigan and meet specific equipment and operational standards. Additionally, the measures would require that independent refrigeration facilities be inspected and licensed by the state. A refrigeration facility would have to meet specific facility and operational standards and designate a mortuary science licensee to oversee the handling of decedents. Furthermore, a refrigeration facility would be prohibited from contracting with the general public and could only contract with:

• A health facility
• A county medical examiner
• A funeral establishment
• A medical school, or
• An organ procurement organization.

An MFDA task force chaired by District #6 Director Mark Evely developed an early draft of the legislation, which was approved and supported by the MFDA Board of Directors last May.

Senate Bills 544 and 545 have been referred to the House Regulatory Reform, chaired by Rep. Tyrone Carter (D – Detroit), where they await further consideration.