Massachusetts § 87 - Unlawful embalming; engaging in business of funeral directing without registration; penalty
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 87 — Unlawful embalming; engaging in business of funeral directing without registration; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 87. Unlawful embalming; engaging in business of funeral directing without registration; penalty
Section 87. Whoever, not being registered as an embalmer under section eighty-three or corresponding provisions of earlier laws, shall engage in the profession of embalming dead human bodies, or whoever not being registered as a funeral director under section eighty-three and licensed as a funeral director under section forty-nine of chapter one hundred and fourteen shall engage in the business or profession of funeral directing, or shall hold himself out as such, shall, except as otherwise provided by law, be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two months, or both; but this shall not be deemed to prohibit the employment of apprentice embalmers serving under the personal supervision of a registered embalmer, or the employment of assistants in funeral directing under the personal supervision of a registered and licensed funeral director, nor shall it be deemed to prohibit a corporation or partnership, if not engaged in any other business, from engaging in the business of funeral directing, if a duly registered and licensed funeral director is in charge of the business of said corporation or partnership and his name is presented to public view and in all advertising. If such corporation or partnership engages in general advertising for the purpose of advertising funeral services, then all the individuals whose names shall appear on such advertisement shall also be duly registered and licensed funeral directors, and all active members of said corporation or partnership, together with those individuals whose names shall appear, or be used in connection with the name of the corporation or partnership in the regular course of its business in the conduct of funerals and for the purpose of advertising funeral services, shall also be duly registered and licensed funeral directors. No person engaged in embalming or funeral directing or serving as an apprentice shall act or be employed as a caretaker or supervisor at any cemetery.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 87
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 87 cover?
Section 87 ("Unlawful embalming; engaging in business of funeral directing without registration; penalty") 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 § 87?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 87" (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 § 87 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.