Conflicts of interest.

(a) A coroner who owns, operates, is employed by, or otherwise has an interest in a funeral establishment is deemed to have a conflict of interest and shall not direct business to the establishment when performing his or her duties under the laws of this state.

(b) Nothing in this section shall prevent a person from taking the body of the deceased to a funeral establishment in which the coroner has an interest if the person decides to do so without the suggestion of the coroner.

(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply if an emergency situation exists and the coroner acts in good faith to prevent a health hazard.

(d) Any person who knowingly violates subsection (a) shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(Act 2006-581, p. 1527, §3.)