Section 5-508 - [Effective 10/1/2024] Definitions(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.(b) "Alkaline hydrolysis" has the meaning stated in § 5-101 of the Business Regulation Article.(c) "Authorizing agent" means the individual who has legal authority to arrange for and make decisions regarding the final disposition of a dead human body, including by cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, or natural organic reduction.(d) "Cremation" means the disposition of a dead human body by means of incineration.(e) "Crematory" has the meaning stated in § 5-101 of the Business Regulation Article.(f) "Decedent" means a dead human being.(g) "Natural organic reduction" has the meaning stated in § 5-101 of the Business Regulation Article.(h) "Practitioner" means a person who is licensed by the State as a funeral director, mortician, or surviving spouse licensee to practice mortuary science.(i) "Pre-need contract" means an agreement prior to the time of death between a consumer and a practitioner to provide any goods and services regarding the final disposition of a dead human body.(j) "Reduction facility" has the meaning stated in § 5-101 of the Business Regulation Article.(k) "Soil remains" has the meaning stated in § 5-101 of the Business Regulation Article.Amended by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 600,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2024.Amended by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 599,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2024.Brought forward without change, 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 106,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2024.Amended by 2020 Md. Laws, Ch. 451, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2020.Amended by 2020 Md. Laws, Ch. 450, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2020.This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.