The Bureau licenses funeral directors, embalmers and apprentice embalmers; regulates funeral establishments and crematory operations and investigates complaints against these professionals. The Board also educates consumers, promotes industry compliance and professionalism, and enforces consumer protection laws.
Caskets are the most expensive item you’ll buy when planning a traditional full-service funeral. The Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to display casket prices clearly in their showrooms and on their price lists.
Licensed Funeral Director
A licensed funeral director is responsible for the many details that go into caring for a person who has died. They manage a funeral home and make all arrangements for a memorial service or burial. They are available 24 hours a day to respond to calls from families. They may assist the family in selecting a casket or outer burial container, and they will explain the choices available to them.
Funeral directors must pass a national and state board examination to become licensed. The requirements vary by state but typically include graduating from an associate degree program, passing the International Conference of Funeral Service Examiners (ICFES) exam, serving an apprenticeship and passing mortuary jurisprudence exams.
Some states allow funeral directors and embalmers to receive a license by reciprocity from another state. A reciprocal license must be renewed biennially. In order to obtain a reciprocal license, an individual must present proof of current licensing in their home state and submit an application with the board.
Licensed Embalmer
Embalmers are a vital part of funeral services and work to preserve the bodies for viewing. They use chemicals that delay the natural decomposition process.
To become licensed as an embalmer, a person must complete mortuary school and a mortuary apprenticeship. Then they must pass the National Board Exam administered by The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB) and fulfill any state-specific requirements for licensure.
In addition, a licensee must meet certain safety requirements such as maintaining strict hygiene protocols. They also adhere to stringent guidelines for the disposal of fluids and the handling of hazardous materials.
Additionally, embalmers may have to complete state-specific exams in order to gain employment or start their own funeral businesses. These exams can assess a funeral director’s knowledge of state laws and regulations and specific embalming practices. They may also have to complete continuing education requirements. These can include courses on topics like anatomy and funeral directing.
Licensed Crematory
Cremation is a technical process using heat and flame to reduce human remains to bone fragments and other residue. This includes the processing or pulverization, and transfer of the cremains to either a temporary container or an urn for permanent burial. The Office of Crematory Oversight oversees businesses that are licensed to perform cremations, including corporations, partnerships and sole proprietorships. The OCO promotes high standards of performance and operates a responsive complaint/resolution system for cemeteries, funeral homes and crematories.
Poul uses his unique background in both deathcare and law to provide resources and counsel to funeral home, crematory, cemetery and trade association clients throughout the United States. His practice focuses on risk management, daily operational conflicts, form and contract reviews, valuations, and regulatory matters. He is also a contributor to Parliament magazine. He resides in Florida with his wife and three children. He is also an avid golfer and enjoys spending time at the beach.
Licensed Cemetery
A cemetery is a locale set aside for the burial of bodies and cremated remains. It is operated by either a public or private entity. The latter may be a nonsectarian corporation or a religious society.
Cemeteries are often regulated by state law. They are required to provide rules and regulations to consumers upon purchase and maintain a most current price list of service fees charged to customers. They also must disclose whether their price list is a flat fee or includes charges for opening, closing and covering the grave.
While providing a deeply personal service, cemeteries must make complex business decisions and comply with strict regulations. Pryor Cashman represents major metropolitan cemeteries and has extensive experience in addressing the unique issues faced by this industry. The firm is able to offer sound advice that reflects its deep understanding of the industry and the laws that give it structure. This allows our clients to focus on more sensitive matters.