SB-0485 Summary

• Creates an "Anatomy Board" within the Department of Community Health to oversee the receipt and disposition of unclaimed human bodies for scientific and educational use.

• Board members must be mortuary science licensees representing accredited Michigan medical schools; the director appoints members based on nominations from designated medical schools and must hold quarterly meetings open to the public.

• Requires that unclaimed bodies (those not claimed for final disposition after attempts to identify and notify next of kin) be offered to the board within 72 hours of death; persons with authority may authorize their relative's body for scientific use or religious organizations may claim bodies consistent with their faith.

• Establishes that teaching institutions, hospitals, and other entities must submit written requests to receive unclaimed bodies for educational use, with priority given to undergraduate medical and dental schools in Michigan.

• Requires receipt of all expenses related to preservation, transportation, and final disposition of unclaimed bodies; mandates permanent record-keeping by the board and receiving institutions; repeals previous sections 2652-2663 of the Public Health Code.