Operating a crematory in Tennessee requires adherence to specific regulations and guidelines to ensure the respectful and lawful handling of human remains. As a crematory operator, it is crucial to understand the key requirements set forth by the state.

What are the Licensing Requirements?

In Tennessee, any facility that performs cremations must obtain a crematory license from the Tennessee Department of Health. This license is necessary to legally operate a crematory and must be prominently displayed on the premises. Additionally, all individuals involved in the cremation process must be properly trained and certified.

What are the Facility Requirements?

The physical facility where cremations take place must meet specific standards outlined by state regulations. These standards cover aspects such as the design of the crematory, the equipment used in the cremation process, and the handling of human remains. It is essential to ensure that the facility complies with all requirements to maintain a safe and sanitary environment.

What are the Record-Keeping Requirements?

As a crematory operator in Tennessee, maintaining accurate records is a critical aspect of compliance. Detailed records must be kept for each cremation performed, including information about the deceased individual, the cremation process, and the final disposition of the remains. These records must be retained for a specified period as mandated by state regulations.

What are the Environmental Requirements?

Environmental considerations are also a key component of operating a crematory in Tennessee. Crematories must comply with regulations related to emissions control, waste management, and the proper disposal of ashes. It is important to implement practices that minimize the environmental impact of the cremation process.

What are the Code of Ethics Requirements?

In addition to legal requirements, crematory operators in Tennessee are expected to adhere to a strict code of ethics. This code governs professional conduct, respect for the deceased and their families, and the maintenance of confidentiality. Upholding these ethical standards is essential in providing compassionate and dignified cremation services.

By understanding and meeting the requirements for operating a crematory in Tennessee, operators can ensure compliance with state regulations and provide a high standard of care for the deceased and their loved ones.

secondary container shall be kept with the urn or other container and handled according to
the final disposition instructions set forth by the Authorizing Agent(s).
(4) No more than one cremated remains may be placed in any container, unless written
permission has been received from the personal representative responsible for the remains.
(5) Cremated remains may not be commingled for storage or disposition. Each individual
cremated remains must be kept separate and properly identified on the container, unless
otherwise authorized by personal representatives.
(6) The entire cremated remains shall be returned to the family and/or responsible party.
(7) (a) All cremations of human remains in this state shall be arranged through the holder of a
valid and current funeral-establishment license issued by the Board;
(b) All cremations of human remains in this state shall be directly supervised by a licensed
funeral director during the cremation process, including, but not limited to, the
placement of remains in cremation chamber, repositioning of remains, removal of
cremated remains from chamber, processing of cremated remains, and placement of
cremated remains in an urn or other container.
(8) Each crematory shall submit its cremation authorization form to the Board for approval, prior
to using said form. Every funeral establishment shall use the cremation authorization form
approved by the Board and provided by the crematory where the human remains are to be
cremated.
(9) Acceptance of a license issued by the Board gives a Board representative the right to inspect
the crematory and the records of the crematory at any time.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A CREMATORY 0660-09
(Rule 0660-09-.01, continued)
March, 2019 (Revised) 2
(10) At no time shall any cremation chamber, retort, refrigerator, urn, container, tool, or implement
be used to prepare or store both dead human bodies and dead non-human bodies. Each
cremation chamber, refrigerator, urn, container, tool, or implement shall be utilized
exclusively for either dead human bodies or dead non-human bodies.
(11) At no time shall any cremation chamber or retort designed or manufactured for cremation of
dead human bodies be utilized for any other purpose.
(12) All cremation chambers, retorts, refrigerators, and containers shall be labeled to designate
usage for the preparation or storage of either dead human bodies or dead non-human bodies
if the establishment offers such services for dead non-human bodies.
(13) Any funeral director, embalmer, or crematory operator who obtains specific instructions or
authorization, as required in T.C.A. § 62-5-507(f), to remove any prosthetic devices,
pacemakers, implants, metal hinges, latches, nails, screws, staples, plates, or any other
artificial device or structure from a dead human body prior to the cremation or from the
cremated remains after cremation shall dispose of the prosthetic devices, pacemakers,
implants, metal hinges, latches, nails, screws, staples, plates, or other artificial devices or
structures in a lawful non-recoverable manner, so that only human bone fragments remain.
While the funeral director, embalmer, or crematory operator may receive compensation from
a recycling company for retrieving these materials and shipping them to the recycling
company, the funeral director, embalmer, or crematory operator shall not receive a fee for
doing so that exceeds the actual cost to the crematory facility for performing or assisting in
the removal and shipping costs of those materials.
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 62-5-101, 62-5-203, 62-5-303, 62-5-304, 62-5-309, 62-5-507, and 62-5-508.
Administrative History: Original rule filed August 30, 1991; effective October 14, 1991. Amendment filed
June 2, 2014; effective August 31, 2014. Amendments filed December 12, 2018; effective March 12,
2019.