21 NCAC 34B .0805          REQUIMENTS FOR REMOVAL VEHICLES

(a)  Licensees shall conduct removal or transportation in a removal vehicle. The removal vehicle shall have a cargo bay that:

(1)           has curtains or tinting on any windows displaying the cargo bay, to obscure the decedent from public view;

(2)           prevents co-mingling or shifting of the decedent while in transit; and

(3)           has flooring that is impervious.

(b)  The removal vehicle used by a licensee shall contain the following when removal or transportation is performed:

(1)           Mortuary cot, ambulance cot, casket, or container that is commercially manufactured for the storage of dead human bodies;

(2)           Pillow or head block;

(3)           Sheets and cot cover;

(4)           Rubber or plastic sheeting;

(5)           Towels;

(6)           Zippered mortuary body bag or disaster pouch;

(7)           Straps;

(8)           Impervious tags;

(9)           Pen or marker with indelible ink;

(10)         A universal precaution kit, which shall contain the following:

(A)          A bio-waste bag;

(B)          A heavy-duty disaster pouch;

(C)          Goggles;

(D)          Impervious foot coverings;

(E)           Masks;

(D)          Disposable gloves;

(F)           Impervious apron or gown;

(G)          Antiseptic hand cleaner;

(H)          Disinfectant spray; and

(I)            A first-aid kit.

(c)  A licensee shall disinfect the entire interior of the removal vehicle, including the driver's cabin, as soon as reasonably possible after each removal or transportation of a decedent.

(d)  A licensee shall not eat, drink, or smoke in the removal vehicle while engaged in removal or transportation.

(e)  A licensee shall not stack decedents inside a removal vehicle unless using shelves designed for such purpose and capable of transporting decedents in a manner consistent with Subparagraph (a)(2) of this Rule.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-210.23(a); 90-210.25(c)(9) and (10);

Eff. February 1, 2025.