33-16-530. Crematory operator; chemical disposer; permit required; qualifications.

(a) It is unlawful for any person or entity to operate a crematory disposing of human remains without the crematory being first granted a permit by the board as a crematory, or to chemically dispose of human remains in a chemical disposition facility, unless the chemical disposition facility is first granted a permit by the board to operate as a chemical disposition facility.

(b) The board shall examine the premises and structure of any crematory or chemical disposition facility and shall issue the permit only if the applicant and the structure meet the standards required by rules and regulations of the board and the provisions of this act.

(c) Every person desiring to operate a crematory or chemically dispose of human remains within the state of Wyoming shall apply to the board for a crematory permit or a chemical disposition facility permit, upon a form and in the manner prescribed by the board, accompanied by the appropriate fee and satisfactory evidence of the following:

(i) The applicant, unless an organization, shall be a licensed funeral service practitioner or funeral director who is a shareholder or officer in or is directly employed by a licensed funeral establishment. The applicant, when an organization, shall be a funeral establishment permitted by the board that employs at least one (1) licensed funeral service practitioner assigned as the funeral service licensee responsible for the crematory or chemical disposition facility;

(ii) The application shall designate a licensed funeral service practitioner as the funeral service practitioner responsible for the crematory or chemical disposition facility; and

(iii) The crematory or chemical disposition facility shall meet the standards required by the rules and regulations of the board and the provisions of this act, and receive a satisfactory inspection by the board;

(iv) An employee who is not a licensed funeral service practitioner may assist in the operation of a crematory or chemical disposition facility to the extent directed by a funeral service practitioner following the facility's receipt of human remains in a closed cremation container. An employee who is not a funeral service practitioner shall not handle human remains or open a closed cremation container. The employee may conduct the full crematory or chemical disposition process under the direction of a funeral service practitioner or funeral director. The funeral service practitioner overseeing the facility shall successfully complete a crematory or chemical disposition facility operator's certification program approved by the board. The supervising funeral service practitioner shall ensure that employees who are operating crematories under the direction of a funeral service practitioner or funeral director successfully complete a crematory or chemical disposition operator's certification program approved by the board. The board may waive or extend the time to complete the certification program required by this section due to hardship or difficulty in completing the required certification program.

(d) If the applicant proposes to operate more than one (1) crematory or chemical disposition facility, the applicant shall make a separate application and procure a separate license for each separate location.

(e) Any crematory or chemical disposer licensee desiring to change the location of the business shall make application to the board at least thirty (30) days prior to the time that the change in location is to take effect. A fee as established by the board shall accompany the application for the change. The board shall grant the change provided the location conforms to the provisions of this act.

(f) Any crematory or chemical disposition facility desiring to change the name of the business shall make application to the board at least thirty (30) days prior to the time that the change in name is to take effect. A fee as established by the board shall accompany the application for the change.

(g) Any crematory or chemical disposition facility desiring to change the licensed funeral service practitioner responsible for the crematory or chemical disposition facility shall make application to the board immediately. A fee as established by the board shall accompany the application for the change.