Procedures to be Followed When a Person Dies While Infected with a Communicable Disease

PURPOSE: This rule establishes procedures to be followed in handling a dead body infected with a communicable disease. (1) The body of a person having a communicable disease subject to isolation at time of death shall be placed in a closed ambulance pouch while in transit to be embalmed. (2) The body of a person having a communicable disease subject to isolation at time of death shall be buried or cremated within twenty-four (24) hours of death unless the body is properly embalmed according to recognized standards and the external surface thoroughly washed with a disinfectant fluid or unless the body is permanently encased in a sealed casket. (3) Direct physical contact with the body of a person having, at time of death, a disease transmissible by direct personal contact is prohibited except for the contact necessary in embalming or preparation of the body prior to burial or cremation. (4) Public funeral services for a person having a communicable disease subject to isolation at time of death may be held only under the following conditions: (A) The body is properly embalmed in accordance with recognized standards and the external surfaces disinfected or the body is encased in a sealed casket; and (B) Household contacts and others subject to quarantine or isolation restrictions who attend the funeral services are completely segregated from the public. AUTHORITY: section 192.020, RSMo 1986.* This rule previously filed as 13 CSR 50105.010. Original rule filed July 15, 1948, effective Sept. 13, 1948. *Original authority: 192.020, RSMo 1939, amended 1945.