TFSC News

TFSC announces new Chapter 206 anatomical rules effective September 6, 2026, with Section 206.3 implementation beginning October 6, 2026.

NEW CHAPTER 206 RULES ADOPTED

August 25, 2026

On August 14, 2026, the Texas Funeral Service Commission adopted a significant package of amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 206 governing human anatomical donation programs.

The newly adopted rules address authorized activities, chain of custody, transportation and transfer of bodies and anatomical specimens, educational use and public display, donor documentation, registration and inspection, and final disposition.

Key Implementation Dates

August 14, 2026 — Commission Adoption
The Commission adopted the Chapter 206 rule package.

August 28, 2026 — Texas Register Publication
The adopted rules are scheduled for publication in the Texas Register.

September 6, 2026 — Effective Date
The newly adopted rules become effective.

October 6, 2026 — §206.3 Chain-of-Custody Implementation
TFSC will begin implementation of the new chain-of-custody form-completion requirements. Before that date, TFSC will publish the required chain-of-custody form, specimen unique-identifier nomenclature, and technical specifications for electronic completion.

Important Transition Information

Existing TFSC registrants and authorized entities are not required to submit a new initial application or undergo a new initial inspection solely because §206.12 takes effect. The new application requirements generally begin with an entity’s first renewal after the effective date.

Existing wills, anatomical gifts, and donation instruments validly executed before the effective date do not need to be re-executed or amended solely because of the new §206.8 notice requirements.

Additional anatomical rules remain under development, including proposals concerning bloodborne-pathogen screening, private couriers, and commercially acquired plastinated human remains and skeletal material.

Stakeholders should rely on TFSC communications and the official Texas Register rule text for compliance dates and implementation requirements.

View the official rules and rulemaking information through the Texas Secretary of State:
Texas Secretary of State — Rules & Meetings

For questions regarding the Human Anatomical Donation Programs, contact anatomical@tfsc.texas.gov or 512-936-2474.

Sunset Advisory Commission Invites Public Input on the Texas Funeral Service Commission

The Sunset Advisory Commission is conducting a limited purpose review of the Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC) and welcomes comments from the public on TFSC concerning the assessment of the agency’s administration of the functions and duties regarding willed body programs, non-transplant anatomical donation organizations (NADO), and anatomical facilities.
 
The Texas Sunset Act requires the Sunset Commission to periodically review TFSC and recommend whether to implement Sunset staff’s recommendations to improve agency efficiency and effectiveness (Sunset management directives) or change state law to improve the agency’s efficiency and effectiveness. Due to the limited nature of this review, Sunset staff recommendations will be
limited to the willed body programs, NADOs, and anatomical facility regulation.
 
The Legislature ultimately will decide whether to adopt the Sunset Commission’s statutory recommendations. The Sunset process has three stages. First, Sunset staff will evaluate TFSC, seek public input, and issue a report recommending solutions to problems found. Second, the Sunset Commission will hold two public meetings: a hearing on the staff report and the agency, and a decision meeting to adopt recommendations based on the report and public comments. Third, the Legislature will convene in January 2027 and will consider the Sunset Commission’s adopted statutory recommendations in a Sunset bill for TFSC.
 
Submit Your Input
Here are several ways to provide comments and suggestions to Sunset staff on TFSC’s mission,
operations, and services:
  • Send an email to sunset@sunset.texas.gov, with TFSC Review in the subject line,
  • Submit comments online at www.sunset.texas.gov/input-form,
  • Send a letter to Sunset Advisory Commission, Attn: TFSC, P.O. Box 13066, Austin, Texas 78711, or
  • Call (512) 463-1300 to speak to Chris Keslar, project manager of the TFSC review.
Please provide your comments by October 2, 2026 to ensure Sunset staff can fully consider your input while conducting their review. Comments submitted before the staff report is published in November 2026 will remain confidential.
 
Stay informed! Members of the public may also visit www.sunset.texas.gov/join-mailing-list to sign up for email alerts on the Sunset staff report and the Sunset Commission’s public meetings on TFSC.

TFSC Reports/Information:

 2026-2027 TFSC Self-Evaluation Report

Sunset Review Process Flow Chart