How long must a funeral director maintain records of people who were cremated?

In Iowa, funeral directors must maintain records of cremations indefinitely. This requirement serves several important purposes, including ensuring accountability and traceability in the cremation process, which is vital for both legal and ethical reasons.

Retaining records indefinitely allows for the verification of details related to the deceased, the cremation process itself, and any family members who may require access to those records in the future. It also assists in addressing any potential disputes or questions regarding the cremation that may arise over time.

While some records in other areas may have specific retention periods, the indefinite retention policy for cremation records reflects the unique and sensitive nature of dealing with human remains and the irreversible nature of cremation itself.