W. Va. Code § 30-6-31: Inapplicability of article.

The provisions of this article do not apply to or interfere with:

(1) The duties of an officer of any local or state board of health who, in compliance with local or state board of health rules, may be charged with the duty of preparation for burial of a human body when death was caused by a virulent, communicable disease;

(2) The duties of an officer of a medical college, county medical society, anatomical association or other recognized person carrying out his or her responsibilities of dealing with indigent dead human bodies who are held subject for anatomical study; or

(3) The customs or rites of any religious sect in the burial of its dead: Provided, That embalming shall only be performed by a licensed embalmer.