65-1760. Definitions. As used in this act, unless the context clearly shows otherwise:

(a) "Alternative container" means a receptacle, other than a casket, in which dead human bodies are transported to the crematory and placed in the cremation chamber for cremation. An alternative container shall be (1) composed of readily combustible or consumable materials suitable for cremation, (2) able to be closed in order to provide a complete covering for the dead human bodies, (3) resistant to leakage or spillage, (4) rigid enough for handling with ease, and (5) able to provide protection for the health, safety and personal integrity of crematory personnel.

(b) "Authorizing agent" means a person legally entitled to authorize the cremation and final disposition of specific dead human bodies as defined in K.S.A. 65-1734, and amendments thereto.

(c) "Board" means the state board of mortuary arts.

(d) "Cremated remains" means all human remains recovered after the completion of the cremation of a dead human body, which may possibly include the residue of any foreign matter including casket material, bridgework or eyeglasses, that was cremated with the dead human body.

(e) "Cremation" means the mechanical and/or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments. Cremation includes the processing and usually includes the pulverization of the bone fragments.

(f) "Cremation chamber" means the enclosed space within which the cremation of a dead human body is performed. Such chambers shall be used exclusively for the cremation of human remains.

(g) "Crematory" means a business premises that houses the cremation chamber and holding facility where dead human bodies are cremated. A crematory shall be maintained at a fixed and specific street address.

(h) "Crematory operator" means a person who is engaged in, conducting or holding oneself out as engaged in or conducting, the business of cremation.

(i) "Crematory operator in charge" means the licensed crematory operator who is responsible to ensure that the crematory's license is current and that the licensed crematory is in compliance with the laws and regulations of this state. Nothing in this definition shall relieve other persons involved with a cremation from complying with state and federal laws and regulations.

(j) "Dead human body" means a lifeless human body or such parts of a human body or the bones thereof from the state of which it reasonably may be concluded that death recently occurred.

(k) "Funeral director" means a person who holds a current license as a funeral director issued by the board.

(l) "Funeral establishment" means a funeral establishment or branch establishment as licensed by the board.

(m) "Holding facility" means an area within or adjacent to a licensed crematory designated for the retention of dead human bodies prior to the act of cremation that shall:

(1) Comply with any applicable public health statute, regulation or ordinance;

(2) preserve the dignity of the dead human body;

(3) recognize the integrity, health and safety of the crematory's personnel operating the crematory; and

(4) be secure from access by anyone other than authorized personnel.

(n) "Potentially hazardous implant" means any device previously placed within the now deceased human body that would result in potential harm or damage at any time during the cremation process.

(o) "Temporary container" means a receptacle for cremated remains, usually composed of cardboard, plastic or similar material, that can be closed in a manner that prevents the leakage or spillage of the cremated remains or the entrance of foreign material, and is a single container of sufficient size to hold the cremated remains.

(p) "Urn" means a receptacle designed to encase the cremated remains.

History: L. 2001, ch. 183, § 1; L. 2010, ch. 131, § 8; July 1, 2011.