QuestionsQuestions (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2010 - 0033)
It is the DOH Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for PD 856 (Code on Sanitation of the Philippines), particularly Chapter XXI on the Disposal of Dead Persons.
Embalming is the process of sanitizing, preserving, and restoring the dead body before final disposition by applying/injecting introducing chemicals, drugs, or herbs internally and/or externally, mainly to delay decomposition, improve appearance, and preserve evidence for medico-legal cases.
The IRR applies to all embalmers, accredited embalming training institutions and training providers, public/private burial grounds and similar institutions operated by government agencies or instrumentalities, including GOCCs, private organizations/firms/individuals, and other entities.
It may be waived in special circumstances when the death certificate cannot be issued in time, including: (a) dangerous communicable disease needing burial within 12 hours; (b) family requests immediate cremation without embalming/viewing; (c) immediate burial by kin; (d) religious traditions calling for burial within 12 hours (e.g., Islam or Jewish faith).
Examples include: Hepatitis B and C, Rabies, HIV/AIDS, Invasive group A streptococcal infections, SARS, Plague, Yellow fever, Viral hemorrhagic fevers (e.g., Ebola, Lassa, Marburg), and Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (e.g., CJD/mad cow disease).
The remains must be placed in a plastic cadaver bag or other durable, airtight container at the point of death and a biohazard tag attached; the container shall not be opened for viewing or any purpose prior to burial or cremation.
They shall not hold unclaimed bodies longer than 60 days; otherwise, the local health authority may impose sanctions.
Category I: has chapels and embalming facilities and offers funeral transport services; Category II: has viewing chapels and offers funeral transport services but without embalming facilities; Category III: offers only funeral transport services and viewing to the place of burial.
It may do so via a duly notarized MOA with Category II/III establishments within 50 kilometers of the Category I establishment, and the MOA must include required details such as parties, fee schedule, dates/effectivity, signatures, and proof of registration/licenses of embalmer(s).
The IRR provides a table: for 1–2 licensed embalmers, up to 1–4 Category II/III establishments; for 2–4 licensed embalmers, up to 2–4; for 5–8 licensed embalmers, up to 5 or more; and for 3 or more licensed embalmers, up to 3 or more Category II/III establishments (as stated in the table).
Category I establishments must maintain records of all bodies embalmed for each subscribing Category II/III establishment, including the name, sex, age, home address of the person embalmed, and the name of the next of kin, kept for at least five (5) years after services were provided.
They must ensure identity of the deceased before embalming; they must not embalm without a properly signed death certificate (or the limited written permission/attestation alternatives stated in the IRR), and they must assure themselves that no autopsy will be necessary for medico-legal and pathological purposes before proceeding.
They may not embalm any dead body that died from a dangerous communicable disease listed in the IRR; if uncertain, they must report first to the local health officer before embalming. They also may not embalm without the required death certificate/permission/attestation and permission-related requirements.
No embalming fluid/preparation containing arsenic, strychnine, mercury, or poisonous alkaloids may be used without special permission from the Secretary of Health or the duly authorized representative.
In exceptionally difficult circumstances hindering transport, unembalmed remains must be buried immediately within 48 hours, with a written report to the local health officer right after. If emergency embalming at home is allowed, intracavity/arterial injections only are used with public health safeguards, and within six (6) hours after emergency embalming, the embalmer must submit a written report to the local health officer.
Any person practicing embalming in the Philippines without a certificate of registration issued by DOH CEUE, or using another’s certificate or falsely advertising as a licensed embalmer, shall be prosecuted under Section 103(a) and (b) of PD 856. Licensed embalmers and personnel who violate PD 856 and the IRR may face revocation/suspension of license and/or prosecution under the same PD provisions.