FIRST CALL; REMOVAL OF BODY

(a) First call occurs at the beginning of a relationship between a funeral director and a person authorized by Section 711.002, Health and Safety Code, to control the disposition of the decedent's remains. (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (c), a funeral director must direct the pickup of a dead human body under this chapter. (c) A dead human body may be transferred without a funeral director directing the transfer at the direction of a justice of the peace or other law enforcement official. (d) A funeral director may direct an unlicensed person, a provisional license holder, or an embalmer in the removal of a dead human body. A funeral director who directs the removal of a dead human body by an unlicensed person is strictly accountable for compliance with the requirements of this chapter. If an unlicensed person, a provisional license holder, or an embalmer inadvertently encounters a family member or other person with whom funeral arrangements are normally made, the person shall restrict communication with the family member or other person to: (1) identifying the person's employer; and (2) making any disclosure to the family member or other person that is required by federal or state law or regulation.