HB 4839

Amends the Vital Records Act. In provisions regarding fetal death, deletes provisions referencing election in writing to arrange for burial or cremation under the Hospital Licensing Act. Requires a funeral director to file an Authorization for Disposition of Fetal Remains or a certificate of death (rather than only a certificate of death) before obtaining a permit for disposition of remains. Provides that, in the case of a fetal death that occurs after a gestation period of less than 20 weeks or in the case of an abortion, no fetal death certificate shall be required for the disposition of remains. Directs the Department of Public Health to create a form to be used by the funeral director to obtain a permit for burial, entombment, or cremation. Requires the local registrar to seal any form filed under these provisions, and prohibits a funeral director from retaining a copy. Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. In provisions regarding the disposition of a fetus, provides that no fetal death certificate shall be required in accordance with the Vital Records Act. Provides that the funeral director or person acting as such who first assumes custody of fetal remains shall use the Department of Public Health form to obtain a permit for disposition of remains. Makes other conforming changes.