Iowa Code § 156.1

As used in this chapter unless the context otherwise requires:

1. “Board” means the board of mortuary science.

2. “Cremation” means the technical process, using heat and flame, that reduces human remains to bone fragments. The reduction takes place through heat and evaporation. Cremation shall include the processing, and may include the pulverization, of the bone fragments.

3. “Cremation establishment” means a place of business as defined by the board which provides any aspect of cremation services.

4. “Funeral director” means a person licensed by the board to practice mortuary science.

5. “Funeral establishment” means a place of business as defined by the board devoted to providing any aspect of mortuary science.

6. “Intern” means a person registered by the board to practice mortuary science under the direct supervision of a preceptor certified by the board.

7. “Mortuary science” means the engaging in any of the following:

a. Preparing, for burial or disposal, or directing and supervising burial or disposal of dead human bodies except supervising cremations.

b. Making funeral arrangements or furnishing any funeral services in connection with disposition of dead human bodies or sale of any casket, vault, urn, or other burial receptacle.

c. Using the words “funeral director”, “mortician”, or any other title implying that the person is engaged as a funeral director as defined in this section.

d. Embalming dead human bodies, entire or in part, by the use of chemical substances, fluids, or gases in the body, or by the introduction of the same into the body by vascular injections, hypodermic injections, or by surface application into the organs or cavities for the purpose of preservation or disinfection.