PDFWAC 246-500-053
Human remains reduced through alkaline hydrolysis.
(1) Other than the provisions in this section and WAC 246-500-010, this chapter does not apply to human remains after alkaline hydrolysis.
(2) A hydrolysis facility must:
(a) Operate a high-temperature purpose built vessel, that reaches a minimum temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 30 minutes during the reduction process; or
(b) Operate a purpose built vessel, for which third-party validation testing is provided demonstrating the reduction process destroys prions, and achieves sterilization in both the water and airspace, according to the manufacturer's specifications. The testing criteria must include a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry peptide sizing analysis and a six spore log reduction or greater in the level of Bacillus spores. An operator shall retain this documentation on-site and be able to provide it upon request to state or local health officials.
(3) A local registrar, in cooperation with the Washington state funeral and cemetery board, may issue a burial-transit permit for disposition of human remains reduced through alkaline hydrolysis. The permit for the disposition of remains reduced through alkaline hydrolysis may be used in connection with the transportation of remains reduced through alkaline hydrolysis by common carrier or other means.
(4) The local registrar or the department of health may issue a burial-transit permit for the disposition of human remains reduced through alkaline hydrolysis which have been in the lawful possession of any person, firm, corporation, county, or association for a period of 45 days or more. This permit will specify that the disposition of remains reduced through alkaline hydrolysis must be consistent with Washington state laws and rules.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2)(f). WSR 24-15-129, § 246-500-053, filed 7/23/24, effective 8/23/24; WSR 21-01-039, § 246-500-053, filed 12/7/20, effective 1/7/21.]