IRR on Embalming and Disposal of Dead Persons

General objective: Update standards for the disposal of dead persons.
Specific objectives:
1. Upgrade service quality in handling dead persons.
2. Recognize responsible authorities/offices.
3. Promote compassionate service toward dead persons.

Applies to embalmers, accredited training institutions, burial grounds, public and private funeral entities, and related government or private organizations.

Key terms defined for clarity, including:
- Burial, Code (PD 856), Committee (CEUE), Death Certificate, Dead, Department (DOH), Embalming, Embalming Facility, Embalmer, Extreme Case, Funeral Establishment, Health Certificate, LGU, Local Health Authority / Officer, Morgue, Regional Director, Sanitary Engineer / Inspector, Sanitary Permit, Undertaker, Undertaking.

Death certificate required before burial unless waived under special circumstances (dangerous communicable disease, immediate cremation request, immediate burial, religious beliefs).
Burial permit mandatory.
Unclaimed bodies can't be held beyond 60 days.
Dangerous communicable diseases listed (e.g., Hepatitis B/C, Rabies, HIV/AIDS, SARS).
Special handling for remains with dangerous diseases including use of biohazard bags.

Cemeteries may be closed if they pose health risks (distance violations, refuse accumulation, vermin, persons residing inside).
Enforcement by Regional Health Director with possible permit revocation.

Personnel standards:
- Undertakers must accompany transports beyond 50 km or coordinate with counterpart.
- Embalmers must be licensed, renew every 3 years, ensure identity of deceased, and follow sanitation protocols.
- Other personnel require valid health certificates.
Classification of establishments into three categories based on services offered and facilities.
Memorandum of Agreement required between establishments for embalming services.
Records of embalmed bodies must be kept for at least 5 years.
Embalming facilities must have proper ventilation, equipment, and PPE.

Inspection fees set by local ordinance.
Inspection procedure includes payment, ordering, and compliance checks by health officials.

Collegial body under Secretary of Health with appointed members from various health and legal sectors.
Responsible for exams, licensing, investigations, accreditation, monitoring, and regulation enforcement.
Committee members receive allowances and honoraria.

Exams held biannually (March, September) with possible exceptions.
Qualifications include Filipino citizenship, age 18+, good moral character, clearances, health certification, high school education, training course completion (140 hours), and embalming experience.
Fee requirements and application timelines established.
Exams cover theoretical and practical components.
Passing requires 75% average in both parts.
Certificates valid for 3 years, renewable with continuing education and other requirements.
Suspension or revocation for criminality, incompetence, fraud, addiction, unethical conduct, or failure to renew.

Embalmers must have death certificate or written permission; confirm no autopsy needed.
Prohibited to embalm bodies with dangerous communicable diseases without clearance.
Embalming only in licensed facilities, except emergencies with reporting.
Use of specific chemicals regulated.
Emergency mass casualty protocols allow cremation or mass disinfection.

Responsible for proper physical condition of remains, site preparation, and transport.

Authorized personnel include health officers, law enforcement medical officers, and hospital medical staff.
Autopsies conducted as required by law, court orders, police, or kin requests.
Permission from kin or local health authorities required in hospitals.

Committee tasked with developing continuing education programs to improve embalmer skills.

Rules take effect 15 days after publication in official gazette or newspaper of general circulation.