What does the Washington State law say about embalming?

The law regarding embalming in Washington State specifies that embalming is required only if the body is going to be shipped out of state. This is based on regulations meant to preserve the body during transportation and to comply with the regulations of the receiving state, which may have specific requirements for the handling of human remains.

Embalming is generally not mandated for in-state burials, allowing for flexibility depending on the wishes of the deceased's family and the circumstances surrounding the death. This creates opportunities for various forms of disposition, including natural burial methods that do not necessitate embalming.

While there may be recommended practices for the timely preparation of bodies, such as the notion that embalming should ideally occur within a specific timeframe, these practices are not enforced by law as mandatory. Therefore, focusing on the requirement tied to out-of-state shipments provides a clear understanding of Washington State law about embalming.