Mortuary Science
Transfer Care Specialist
Effective July 1, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requires registration for Transfer Care Specialists per the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 149A.47. Registered Transfer Care Specialists are authorized to perform the removal of a dead human body from the place of death under direct supervision of a licensed mortician.
Requirements
- A registered Transfer Care Specialist must be an employee of a licensed funeral establishment.
- Registered Transfer Care Specialists must work under direct supervision of a mortician who is licensed in the state of Minnesota.
- For a Transfer Care Specialist, direct supervision means that the supervisor is available by being physically present, or by telephone, to advise and correct, as needed, the performance of the transfer care specialist.
- A licensed mortician may supervise up to four Transfer Care Specialists at any one time.
- The supervising mortician is responsible for the work performed by the Transfer Care Specialist and may be subject to discipline based on this performance.
- Applicants must complete a training program of at least seven hours including education in:
- Ethical care and transportation procedures for a deceased person.
- Health and safety concerns to the public and the individual performing the transfer of the deceased person, and the use of universal precautions and other reasonable precautions to minimize the risk for transmitting communicable diseases.
- All relevant state and federal laws and regulations related to the transfer and transportation of deceased persons.
MDH will accept proof of completion of at least seven hours of continuing education in Mortuary Science, with at least one hour in each of the above noted areas, as proof of completion of the required training program. Note that these initial continuing education credits will not count toward the three hours of annual continuing education required under Minnesota Statutes, section 149A.47.
Registration
To apply for registration as a transfer care specialist you must submit all materials using the MDH Facility and Provider Licensing System.
Registration renewal
You will receive an email notice 60-days prior to your expiration date, notifying you to renew. A Transfer Care Specialist must complete three hours of continuing education annually. See Continuing Education Requirements for details.
Contact information
If you have questions, please contact Mortuary Science at health.mortsci@state.mn.us or 651-201-4200.