Massachusetts § 82 - Definitions applicable to Secs. 82 to 87

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 82 — Definitions applicable to Secs. 82 to 87, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 82. Definitions applicable to Secs. 82 to 87

Section 82. The following words, as used in this section and in sections eighty-three to eighty-seven, inclusive, shall have the following meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:—

''Board'', the board of registration in embalming and funeral directing established by section twenty-nine of chapter thirteen.

''Person'', an individual, but not a partnership, corporation or association of any kind.

''Embalming'', the business, practice, science or profession, as commonly practiced, of preserving, disinfecting and preparing in any manner dead human bodies for burial, cremation or transportation.

''Funeral directing'', the business, practice or profession, as commonly practiced, of (a) directing or supervising funerals or providing funeral service; (b) handling or encasing, or providing services for handling or encasing, dead human bodies, and preparation of dead human bodies, otherwise than by embalming, for burial or disposal; (c) providing embalming services; (d) providing transportation, interment and disinterment of dead human bodies; and (e) maintaining an establishment so located, constructed and equipped as to permit the decent and sanitary handling of dead human bodies with suitable equipment in such establishment for such handling.

''Embalmer'', any person engaged, or holding himself out as engaged, in the business, practice, science or profession of embalming, whether on his own behalf or in the employ of a registered and licensed funeral director.

''Funeral Director'', any person engaged, or holding himself out as engaged, in the business, practice or profession of funeral directing.

''Apprentice embalmer'', any person engaged in the learning of the practice of embalming under the instruction and personal supervision of a duly registered embalmer; provided, that no person shall serve as such apprentice embalmer until he has been certified as such by the board.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 82

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 82 cover?

Section 82 ("Definitions applicable to Secs. 82 to 87") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 82?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 82" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 82 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.