Dear Funeral Home Partners,
The Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Vital Records (Department) shared a memorandum dated September 1, 2017 from the Attorney General’s Office notifying partners that a disposition transit permit is no longer required for final disposition of a product of human conception that is less than twenty weeks gestation or if the weight is less than three hundred fifty grams. The memorandum has since been retracted and replaced with the attached joint letter from the Department and Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers (Board). The letter outlines the Department’s interpretation of the applicable laws governing fetal death registration and disposition transit permit issuance. As supported in the attached letter, the Department will no longer be issuing disposition transit permits for the product of human conception that is less than twenty weeks gestation or if the weight is less than three hundred fifty grams beginning October 2, 2017. Additionally, the Board will not be taking action against licensed funeral directors who perform services for the families affected by the change.
The letter will be posted on the DAVE webpage and a message posted in VSIMS. Or download here:
State Board and ADHS Joint Statement
Should you have any questions please contact the Department.
Thank you,
Toni Miller
Policy Manager & Community Partner Liaison
Arizona Department of Health Services