If a funeral director refuses to provide information regarding vital statistics, what unlawful act are they committing?

The refusal of a funeral director to provide information regarding vital statistics can constitute a violation of specific laws relating to the registration and reporting of deaths. In Iowa, this refusal is likely to be categorized as a simple misdemeanor.

Simple misdemeanors are generally the least severe type of offense under Iowa law and often involve minor legal infractions. In the context of vital statistics, funeral directors have a legal obligation to report death information, including necessary details required for the issuance of death certificates. When they refuse to furnish such information, they neglect their legal duties under the Iowa Code pertaining to public health and vital records.

Understanding the legal implications of these responsibilities is crucial for funeral directors. Ignoring this requirement undermines the public interest in accurate record-keeping, which is critical for health departments, governmental agencies, and family histories. Hence, while the act may indeed be a failure to fulfill professional obligations, it is treated as a simple misdemeanor under Iowa law, rather than escalating to a more serious classification such as a serious misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony.