§ 17-29-301 - Embalmers -- Qualifications.
17-29-301. Embalmers -- Qualifications.
(a) Every person who desires to practice the science of embalming in this state shall:
(1) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
(2) Be a graduate of an accredited high school or the equivalent thereof;
(3) Be a graduate of a school of embalming, which is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education or accredited by the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors;
(4) Make a written application to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors attaching the fee as prescribed in 17-29-208;
(5) Have served as a registered apprentice embalmer for not less than twelve (12) months in the State of Arkansas under the direct personal supervision of an Arkansas-licensed embalmer and submit at least fifty (50) case reports to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors; and
(6) Take and pass both parts of the National Board Examination and both parts of the Arkansas laws, rules, and regulations exam and present himself or herself to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors for a licensing interview.
(b) (1) Any person desiring to engage in the science of embalming in this state, in addition to graduating from an approved college of mortuary science recognized by the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, shall serve an apprenticeship of one (1) year in the State of Arkansas under an embalmer licensed by the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors and shall assist in the preparation of at least fifty (50) bodies.
(2) (A) This apprenticeship shall be registered with the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors on applications provided by the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.
(B) Individual case reports shall be signed by both the apprentice and the licensed embalmer under whose supervision the work was done and filed with the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors by the tenth day of the following month.
(3) (A) This apprenticeship may be served before, during, or after attending a college of mortuary science except when the applicant is receiving financial assistance from the state to attend mortuary school, in which instance the apprenticeship shall be served prior to attending mortuary school.
(B) This subdivision (b)(3) applies to persons who were enrolled in mortuary school on January 1, 2000, and those who enroll after that date.