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Form a Business

EMBALMERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS

KRS tit. XXVI, ch. 316
in effect

KRS 316.010 Definitions for chapter

316.010. Definitions for chapter As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise: (1) "Apprentice" means a person engaged in learning the practice of embalming or funeral directing who is under the instruction and personal supervision of a Kentucky-licensed embalmer or a Kentucky-licensed funeral director; (2) "Board" means the Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors; (3) "Direct burial" means the pick-up, transport, and interment of a dead human body or body parts without a funeral; (4) "Embalmer" means a person who preserves, restores, and disinfects dead human bodies by the application of chemical substances either externally or internally, or both; (5) "Embalming service establishment" means a place of business where dead human bodies are embalmed or otherwise prepared or held for burial. An embalming service establishment shall not arrange or conduct a funeral or direct burial. An embalming service establishment may arrange for and transport dead human bodies only under the following circumstances: (a) On behalf of a full-service funeral establishment; (b) On behalf of a visitation and ceremonial funeral establishment; or (c) At the direction of a coroner; (6) "Funeral" means the ceremonies or services related to the final disposition and interment of a human body or body parts; (7) "Full-service funeral establishment" means a place of business where dead human bodies may be embalmed or otherwise prepared and held for burial and where funeral services may be arranged, provided, and conducted; (8) "Funeral director" means a person who, for profit, engages in or represents himself or herself as engaged in the supervision, direction, and arrangement of funeral services, transportation, burials, and disposals of dead human bodies; (9) "Funeral establishment" or "establishment" means: (a) A full-service funeral establishment; (b) An embalming service establishment; or (c) A visitation and ceremonial funeral service establishment; (10) "Memorial service" means a ceremony or service held in honor of a deceased human being at which there are no human remains, as defined in KRS 367.97501(14) present, and for which no license is required; (11) "Person," as used in this chapter, includes but is not limited to an individual, partnership, firm, association, or corporation; (12) "In use" means that funeral directing or embalming is taking place in a funeral establishment; (13) "Courtesy card" means a card that is issued by the board to a funeral director or an embalmer from another state that gives the director or embalmer permission to receive and transport a dead human body to and from Kentucky for a funeral and to conduct funeral services and burials in Kentucky; (14) "Supervision" means responsibility for the professional activities of the funeral establishment that requires a Kentucky-licensed funeral director or a Kentucky- licensed embalmer, as appropriate, to be on the premises when the funeral establishment is in use. If the Kentucky-licensed funeral director or the Kentucky- licensed embalmer is unable to be on the premises due to a reasonable circumstance, then the Kentucky-licensed funeral director or the Kentucky-licensed embalmer shall be within a reasonable proximity to the funeral establishment so that upon contact the funeral director or embalmer is able to immediately return to the funeral establishment; and (15) "Visitation and ceremonial funeral service establishment" means a location from which a funeral establishment may provide all services except embalming within either the same or adjoining county as that served by an affiliated full-service funeral establishment. The visitation and ceremonial funeral service establishment shall be owned in whole or in part by the affiliated full-service funeral establishment, and shall be located sufficiently close to the full-service funeral establishment to share administration and services in a manner that renders it unnecessary for the visitation and ceremonial funeral service establishment to independently meet the minimum licensure requirements for a full-service funeral establishment. A full-service funeral establishment may own and operate more than one (1) visitation and ceremonial funeral service establishment. Effective: June 27, 2019 History: Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 160, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 112, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 90, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 1, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-1. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2016). During codification of 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 59, a conforming correction was required to be made to subsection (10) of this statute to reflect the renumbering of definition subsections in 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 12 (KRS 367.97501).

KRS 316.020 Repealed, 1996

316.020. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: License required for embalmers and funeral directors. History Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 2. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1599a-7, 1599a-8a, 1599a-16, 1599a-16a.

KRS 316.030 Embalmer's license -- Qualifications -- Funeral director's license -- Qualifications -- Restriction on place of practice -- Apprenticeship

316.030. Embalmer's license -- Qualifications -- Funeral director's license -- Qualifications -- Restriction on place of practice -- Apprenticeship (1) No person shall engage in, or attempt to engage in, embalming or funeral directing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky unless the person is licensed under the provisions of this chapter. (2) All Kentucky-licensed persons who practice embalming or funeral directing in Kentucky shall practice from a funeral establishment that is licensed to operate under the provisions of this chapter. (3) One (1) member of every firm, and one (1) officer and one (1) stockholder of every corporation, that engages in embalming and funeral directing in Kentucky, shall be a Kentucky-licensed embalmer and a Kentucky-licensed funeral director. (4) The board shall issue an embalmer's license to an applicant who: (a) Is at least eighteen (18) years of age; (b) Is of good moral character; (c) Possesses a high school diploma or a High School Equivalency Diploma; (d) Has received an associate degree in funeral services from a college or university accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education; (e) Has served an apprenticeship of one (1) year in a Kentucky funeral establishment under the supervision of a Kentucky-licensed embalmer; (f) Has taken an active part during the apprenticeship in assisting with the embalming of at least twenty-five (25) dead human bodies under the direct supervision of a Kentucky-licensed embalmer; (g) Has paid to the board an examination fee as set out in administrative regulations promulgated by the board; and (h) Has passed an examination prepared or approved by the board. (5) The board shall issue a funeral director's license to an applicant who: (a) Is at least eighteen (18) years of age; (b) Is of good moral character; (c) Possesses a high school diploma or a High School Equivalency Diploma; (d) Has served an apprenticeship of three (3) consecutive years in a Kentucky funeral establishment under the supervision of a Kentucky-licensed funeral director. An associate degree in funeral services from a college or university accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education shall substitute for two (2) years of the apprenticeship. The completion of thirty (30) semester credit hours or the equivalent from an accredited college or university shall substitute for one (1) year of the apprenticeship. At no time shall more than two (2) years of the apprenticeship be substituted; (e) Has taken an active part during the apprenticeship in assisting with the management of at least twenty-five (25) funerals under the direct supervision of a Kentucky-licensed funeral director; (f) Has paid to the board an examination fee as set out in administrative regulations promulgated by the board; and (g) Has passed an examination prepared or approved by the board. (6) An applicant may serve embalming and funeral directing apprenticeships concurrently. (7) At the beginning of an apprenticeship, an applicant for an embalmer's or a funeral director's license shall: (a) Appear before the board; (b) Pay to the board a registration fee as set out in administrative regulations promulgated by the board; and (c) File with the board the sworn statement of the supervising Kentucky-licensed embalmer or the Kentucky-licensed funeral director averring that the applicant will work full-time under supervision in the funeral establishment and will receive a regular salary. (8) An applicant shall work full-time in the funeral establishment during the apprenticeship and shall receive a regular salary. (9) An applicant shall file with the board semiannually during the apprenticeship sworn statements by the applicant and the supervising Kentucky-licensed embalmer or Kentucky-licensed funeral director setting out the number of hours worked, the number of embalmings or funerals in which the applicant has assisted, and the salary received. (10) A Kentucky-licensed embalmer or a Kentucky-licensed funeral director shall not supervise more than five (5) applicants serving apprenticeships at any one (1) time. Effective: June 29, 2021 History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 23, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 63, sec. 29, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 69, sec. 1, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 120, sec. 9. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 3, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-7.

KRS 316.040 Repealed, 1996

316.040. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: Certificate of apprenticeship -- Number of apprentices allowed per funeral director or embalmer. History Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 313, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 4. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-7.

KRS 316.045 Repealed, 1996

316.045. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: Causes for revocation or suspension of certificate of apprenticeship. History Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996. -- Created 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1988.

KRS 316.050 Repealed, 1996

316.050. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: Application for license -- Fee -- Certificates of character. History Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 313, sec. 3, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 5. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-7.

KRS 316.060 Repealed, 1960

316.060. Repealed, 1960 Catchline at repeal: Examination -- Issuance of license. History Repealed 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 6, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a- 7.

KRS 316.070 Repealed, 1996

316.070. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: Secretary of board to mail notices of examination -- Issuance of license. History Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 7. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-4.

KRS 316.080 Repealed, 1996

316.080. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: Registration and display of license. History Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 9, effective June 17, 1978; and ch. 384, sec. 478, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 8. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-7.

KRS 316.090 Repealed, 1996

316.090. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: Funeral director's license -- Qualifications of applicant. History Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 7, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 120, sec. 10. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 9. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-8a.

KRS 316.100 Repealed, 1960

316.100. Repealed, 1960 Catchline at repeal: Application for license -- Fee -- Proof of facts in application. History Repealed 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 10, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a- 8a.

KRS 316.110 Repealed, 1996

316.110. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: Issuance of license. History Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 11. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-8a.

KRS 316.120 Repealed, 1960

316.120. Repealed, 1960 Catchline at repeal: Registration, display of license. History Repealed 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 12, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a- 8a.

KRS 316.125 Funeral establishment license -- Application -- Fee -- Each funeral establishment to be licensed separately -- Supervision

316.125. Funeral establishment license -- Application -- Fee -- Each funeral establishment to be licensed separately -- Supervision (1) No person shall operate a full-service funeral establishment, a visitation and ceremonial funeral service establishment, or an embalming service establishment in the Commonwealth of Kentucky without first obtaining the applicable establishment license issued by the board. (2) The board shall issue the appropriate establishment license to an applicant who: (a) Has paid to the board an establishment license fee as set out in administrative regulations promulgated by the board; and (b) Has filed with the board a sworn statement that sets out the following: 1. Name of the funeral establishment; 2. Address of the funeral establishment; 3. Type of funeral establishment; 4. Owners of the funeral establishment, indicating which owners are licensed by the board; and 5. Name and address of the Kentucky-licensed embalmer or the Kentucky- licensed funeral director who will supervise the funeral establishment pursuant to subsection (4) of this section. (3) Each funeral establishment shall be licensed separately from any other funeral establishment. (4) Each funeral establishment, when in use, shall be under the supervision of a Kentucky-licensed embalmer or a Kentucky-licensed funeral director. (5) A Kentucky-licensed embalmer or a Kentucky-licensed funeral director shall not supervise more than one (1) funeral establishment at the same time. (6) The funeral establishment shall display in a public place in the establishment its establishment license and the license of the embalmer or funeral director who supervises the establishment pursuant to subsection (4) of this section. Effective: June 29, 2021 History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 23, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 112, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 90, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1996. -- Created 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 4, effective July 13, 1984.

KRS 316.127 Licensing for establishments existing before July 12, 2006

316.127. Licensing for establishments existing before July 12, 2006 (1) A funeral establishment licensed on July 12, 2006, that meets the definition of a full-service funeral establishment shall be issued a license as a full-service funeral establishment. This license shall be effective until the date that the funeral establishment's former license would have expired. The funeral establishment shall be required to make an application for renewal under this chapter as a full-service funeral establishment. (2) A funeral establishment licensed on July 12, 2006, that meets the definition of an embalming service establishment shall be issued a license for an embalming service establishment. This license shall be effective until the date that the funeral establishment's former license would have expired. The funeral establishment shall be required to make an application for renewal under this chapter as an embalming service establishment. (3) A funeral establishment licensed on July 12, 2006, that does not meet the definition of a full-service funeral establishment or embalming service establishment shall be issued a license for a visitation and ceremonial funeral service establishment. This license shall be renewable as a visitation and ceremonial funeral service establishment license for the entire time of the establishment's existence, subject to the restrictions of subsection (4) of this section, or until the board approves the establishment's application for another type of establishment license. (4) A visitation and ceremonial funeral service establishment that is licensed as a funeral establishment prior to July 12, 2006, shall be exempt from the requirement of ownership in whole or in part by an affiliated full-service funeral establishment. This exemption shall lapse if the visitation and ceremonial funeral service establishment is sold, ceases to exist, or engages in any activity that changes its license. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 112, sec. 3, effective July 12, 2006.

KRS 316.130 Expiration date of license -- Renewal -- Continuing education required for renewal -- Fee -- License not transferable

316.130. Expiration date of license -- Renewal -- Continuing education required for renewal -- Fee -- License not transferable (1) No license granted under this chapter shall be issued or renewed for a period exceeding one (1) year. Every license and renewal shall expire on July 31 following the date of its issuance unless sooner revoked, surrendered, or canceled. (2) A person may renew an embalmer's license or a funeral director's license by paying to the board a renewal fee, not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100), as set out in administrative regulations promulgated by the board. (3) Except for the first licensure renewal following the issuance of an original license by the board, as a prerequisite for license renewal, every Kentucky-licensed embalmer and every Kentucky-licensed funeral director shall attend a minimum of twelve (12) hours every two (2) years in a continuing education program or programs approved by the board. Of these twelve (12) hours, a minimum of six (6) hours shall be attained from programs attended in a live, interactive, in-person format. Upon application to the board, the board may exempt a licensee from the continuing education requirements of this section if the applicant demonstrates that meeting the continuing education requirements of this section would work an undue hardship because of disability, illness, or other clearly mitigating circumstances, or if the applicant is seventy (70) years of age or older and is not actively involved in embalming or funeral directing. The board may use a portion of the annual license renewal fees for the purpose of contracting with accredited educational institutions, professional organizations, or other qualified persons to provide educational programs that meet this continuing education requirement. (4) A licensed funeral establishment may renew its license by paying to the board a renewal fee equal to the establishment license fee. (5) Any renewal not received by the board prior to July 31 will be assessed a late fee, not to exceed the amount of the renewal fee, as set out in administrative regulations promulgated by the board. (6) A license granted under this chapter shall not be transferable. Effective: July 12, 2012 History: Amended 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2012. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 86, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 8, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 313, sec. 4, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 121, sec. 1. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 13. - - Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1599a-9, 1599a-10.

KRS 316.131 Reinstatement of expired license

316.131. Reinstatement of expired license (1) The board may reinstate an embalmer's or a funeral director's license that has expired for failure to renew within three (3) years of the license's expiration if the applicant for reinstatement: (a) Pays a late fee and the renewal fees, as set out in administrative regulations promulgated by the board, for the period during which the license was expired; and (b) Provides proof that the applicant has met the cumulative continuing education requirements for the period during which the license was expired. (2) The board may reinstate an embalmer's or a funeral director's license that has expired for failure to renew more than three (3) years after the license's expiration if the applicant for reinstatement: (a) Pays a late fee and the renewal fees, as set out in administrative regulations promulgated by the board, for the period during which the license was expired; (b) Provides proof that the applicant has met all the cumulative continuing education requirements for the period during which the license was expired; and (c) Demonstrates that the applicant is able to practice embalming or funeral directing with reasonable competence. The board may require the person to pass an examination to determine competency. Effective: June 29, 2021 History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 23, sec. 3, effective June 29, 2021. -- Created 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1996.

KRS 316.132 Continuing education courses -- Sponsors -- Board approval -- Certification of attendance

316.132. Continuing education courses -- Sponsors -- Board approval -- Certification of attendance (1) Continuing education hours for credit may be compiled in the following areas: (a) Cassette and audiovisual presentations; (b) Professional seminars; (c) Accredited schools participating in continuing education programs; (d) Professional association-sponsored programs; (e) Correspondence courses; (f) Continuing education television series; or (g) Other programs as approved by the board. (2) Sponsors of continuing education programs shall be responsible for obtaining from the board accreditation for their respective continuing education programs. (3) Sponsor means any person, school, association, company, corporation, or group who wishes to develop and present a continuing education program. (4) Sponsors of continuing education programs shall submit a program schedule and outline to the board not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the program, including the following information: (a) The name of the course; (b) The name of the sponsoring organization; (c) The objectives of the program; (d) The number of hours over which the educational program will be presented and the dates presented; (e) The names of the instructors and speakers and their educational background and other relevant qualifications; (f) The location at which the program will be presented; and (g) The name and address of the person authorized to certify attendance at the program. (5) Board approval of continuing education programs shall be determined on the following basis: (a) If the program is likely to contribute to the advancement and extension of professional knowledge and skill in the practice of funeral service; (b) If the speakers, lecturers, and others participating in the program are recognized by the board as being qualified in the field; (c) If the program is available to all embalmers and funeral directors licensed in this state; and (d) If any fees charged for the program are the same for nonmembers of any organization sponsoring the program. Any difference in fees charged to nonmembers, as opposed to members of the sponsoring organization, shall be reasonably and directly related to the sponsoring organization's expense in operating the program. (6) The board shall give written notification of the approval or disapproval of a program to the sponsor within forty-five (45) days after receipt of the proposed educational program schedule and outline. Any program approved by the board shall be awarded an approval period by the board, during which the sponsor may offer the program as many times as desired as long as the board's standards are maintained. The board shall state the number of hours credit recognized for completion of the program. (7) Any change in a program after approval is granted by the board shall be approved by the board. Failure to do so shall be grounds for revocation of approval. (8) The educational program may be monitored by a member of the board or a person designated by the board for the purpose. (9) Sponsors shall provide for the maintenance of the program schedule and outline and attendance records of educational programs for at least two (2) years following completion of any program. (10) Any continuing education program conducted by a sponsor in another state that is approved for continuing education credit by a governmental agency of that state with licensure authority over embalmers and funeral directors in that state, similar to the licensure authority of the board, shall be exempt from the requirements of subsections (2) through (8) of this section. The board shall recognize attendance by licensees at the continuing education programs, and credit therefor, as recognized and approved by the governmental agency of that state. Licensees claiming credit for the continuing education programs conducted in other states shall comply with the requirements of subsection (11) of this section. (11) Attendance at any continuing education program shall be certified to the board upon a form provided by the board and shall be submitted by each licensee at the time he makes application to the board for the renewal of his license. Each licensee shall be responsible for having the forms signed by the sponsor of any continuing education program for which credit is claimed, certifying that the licensee did attend the continuing education program for which credit is claimed. The board shall not approve any claim for credit for attendance at a continuing education program unless the licensee provides the signed certification of the sponsor stating that the licensee did attend the continuing education program for which credit is claimed. (12) The board may maintain a list of sponsors providing programs to satisfy the continuing education requirement for licensees. This information may be made available to any licensee. Effective: July 13, 1990 History: Created 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 86, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1990.

KRS 316.140 Reciprocity for embalmer or funeral director licensed out of state -- Application for courtesy card -- Privileges and duties of courtesy card holder -- Prohibited acts

316.140. Reciprocity for embalmer or funeral director licensed out of state -- Application for courtesy card -- Privileges and duties of courtesy card holder -- Prohibited acts (1) A person holding an embalmer's or a funeral director's license issued in another state or federal district may obtain a Kentucky embalmer's or a Kentucky funeral director's license if the board finds that the person, before or after obtaining a license in another state or federal district, has met the same or similar requirements for a license as set out in KRS 316.030 and pays to the board a fee equal to the license renewal fee. (2) A person holding an embalmer's or a funeral director's license issued in another state or federal district may obtain a courtesy card if the following conditions are met: (a) The person is licensed as an embalmer or a funeral director in another state or federal district; (b) The other state or federal district issues courtesy cards or similar permits to embalmers or funeral directors licensed in Kentucky; (c) The person completes an application for a courtesy card on a form provided by the board; and (d) The person pays a fee that shall not exceed the amount of the fee an embalmer or a funeral director licensed under this chapter is required to pay for license renewal. (3) The board may issue a courtesy card to a licensed funeral director or licensed embalmer upon application and payment by the funeral director or embalmer of a fee prescribed by the board in administrative regulations promulgated under KRS Chapter 13A. The application shall be approved by the board, at its discretion. The requirement in KRS 316.030 that all Kentucky-licensed embalmers or funeral directors who practice in Kentucky shall practice from a funeral establishment that is licensed to operate under the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the holder of a courtesy card. The board shall promulgate administrative regulations necessary to administer and enforce this section. (4) A courtesy card issued under this chapter shall expire on July 31 of each year. (5) The holder of a courtesy card issued under this chapter may undertake the following acts of funeral directing: (a) Remove and transport unembalmed and embalmed dead human bodies to and from Kentucky to the state or states where the courtesy card holder is licensed as a funeral director; (b) Prepare and complete sections of death certificates and other disposition permits needed for the disposition of deceased human remains, without the assistance of, or being under the supervision of, an embalmer or funeral director licensed under this chapter; and (c) Only a licensed funeral director who has been issued a courtesy card under this subsection may supervise and conduct funeral ceremonies in Kentucky without the assistance of a Kentucky funeral director. (6) A courtesy card holder pursuant to this chapter shall comply with all the laws of Kentucky when engaged in any acts of funeral directing in this state. The board may revoke or suspend the courtesy card, or subject the courtesy card holder to discipline in accordance with the laws applicable to funeral directors and embalmers licensed under this chapter. Any disciplinary measures taken by the board against a courtesy card holder shall be reported by the board to the state board or agency that issued the courtesy card holder's funeral director or embalmer's license or certification. (7) The holder of a courtesy card issued under this chapter shall not engage in the following acts: (a) Transfer the courtesy card to another individual; (b) Own or operate a funeral home, crematory, or office that provides or offers to sell or arrange funeral or disposition services in Kentucky; and (c) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, perform any of the acts related to the practice of funeral directing in Kentucky, including: 1. Arranging for a funeral or disposition service with members of the public; 2. Being employed by, or contracted to perform funeral or embalming services in Kentucky by, a funeral home licensed under this chapter; 3. Advertising funeral or disposition services; 4. Executing contracts for funeral or disposition services in Kentucky; 5. Preparing or embalming deceased human remains in Kentucky; or 6. Exhuming or disinterring human remains in Kentucky. Effective: June 25, 2013 History: Amended 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 122, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2013. -- Amended 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 31, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2012. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 69, sec. 2, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 90, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 14, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-15. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/96). In codifying the changes made to this statute by 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 5, a citation to KRS 316.030 (Section 2 of the Act) has been substituted for the Act's reference to 316.125 (Section 3 of the Act) pursuant to KRS 7.136(1)(h). It is clear from context that the subject matter being treated here relates to the Section 2 of the Act, not Section 3.

KRS 316.150 Nonissuance, nonrenewal, revocation, suspension, and probation of licenses

316.150. Nonissuance, nonrenewal, revocation, suspension, and probation of licenses (1) The board may refuse to issue or renew, may revoke, or suspend and impose probationary conditions on the license of any Kentucky-licensed embalmer or Kentucky-licensed funeral director, and may issue a written reprimand and impose a fine, for: (a) Violating any provision of this chapter, any lawful order of the board, or any administrative regulation promulgated by the board pursuant to this chapter; (b) Being convicted of any felony, or any misdemeanor if the misdemeanor relates to the practice of embalming or funeral directing, if in accordance with KRS Chapter 335B. For purposes of this subsection, a conviction includes a finding or verdict of guilt or an entry of a guilty plea or a plea of no contest; (c) Paying or offering to pay, directly or indirectly, any consideration of value to secure a funeral, prior to or after an individual's death, or allowing the applicant's or licensee's employee or immediate family member to pay anything of value to secure a funeral; (d) Soliciting business in any way by offering or giving any service which is not a normal function of a licensed embalmer or a licensed funeral director in a regular service; (e) Permitting any person who is not a Kentucky-licensed embalmer or Kentucky-licensed funeral director to perform any service pertaining to embalming or funeral directing required by law of a licensed embalmer or a licensed funeral director, from the time of death until interment; (f) Misrepresenting or concealing a material fact in obtaining a license or an apprentice registration; (g) Assisting any applicant for an embalmer's or a funeral director's license in obtaining the license by misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact in registering for an apprenticeship, or during the period of serving an apprenticeship, or in taking or passing the examination for an embalmer's or a funeral director's license; (h) Being sanctioned for a violation of any state or federal statute or administrative regulation governing the funeral industry or its practice for which a plan of correction or remedial action was not accepted by the state or federal authority; or (i) Committing any act which constitutes unprofessional, fraudulent, misleading, corrupt, deceptive, or dishonest conduct. If the act constitutes a crime, conviction in a criminal proceeding shall not be a condition precedent to a disciplinary action. (2) The board may refuse to issue, may revoke, or suspend and impose probationary conditions on the registration of an apprentice, and may issue a written reprimand and impose a fine, for: (a) Violating any of the provisions set out in paragraphs (a) to (i) of subsection (1) of this section; or (b) Disobeying the proper orders or instructions of a superior. (3) The board may refuse to issue or renew, may revoke, or suspend and impose probationary conditions on the license of any funeral establishment, and may issue a written reprimand and impose a fine, for: (a) Misrepresenting or concealing a material fact in obtaining a funeral establishment license; (b) Operating a funeral establishment in violation of any lawful order of the board or any state or federal statute or administrative regulation governing the operation of a funeral establishment; or (c) Operating a funeral establishment without the supervision of a Kentucky-licensed embalmer or a Kentucky-licensed funeral director. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 61, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 90, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 7, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 3, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 15, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-11.

KRS 316.155 Hearing by the board -- Appeal

316.155. Hearing by the board -- Appeal (1) The board shall, before revoking, suspending, or imposing probationary conditions on any license or registration issued pursuant to this chapter, or before issuing a written reprimand or imposing a fine, set the matter for a hearing to be conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. (2) After denying an application for a license or a registration for an apprentice, the board shall set the matter for a hearing in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B upon written request of the applicant if the request is made within thirty (30) days of the mailing of a letter of denial. (3) Any final order of the board may be appealed to Franklin Circuit Court in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. Effective: July 15, 1996 History: Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 8, effective July 15, 1996; and ch. 318, sec. 272, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 10, effective June 15, 1988. -- Created 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 5, effective July 13, 1984. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/96). This section was amended by 1996 Ky. Acts chs. 149 and 318 which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

KRS 316.160 Repealed, 1996

316.160. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: Appeal from order of board. History: Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996; and ch. 318, sec. 357, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 16. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-11.

KRS 316.165 Business of providing surface transportation or removal of dead human bodies -- Permit to authorize -- Providers and activities not eligible for permit - - Administrative regulations

316.165. Business of providing surface transportation or removal of dead human bodies -- Permit to authorize -- Providers and activities not eligible for permit - - Administrative regulations (1) Any person employed by a full-service funeral establishment or an embalming service establishment, except a common carrier engaged in interstate commerce, the Commonwealth and its agencies, or an emergency medical services provider duly certified or licensed pursuant to KRS Chapter 311A, who wants to engage in the business of surface transportation or removal of dead human bodies in the Commonwealth, shall apply for and may be granted a permit from the board. (2) Surface transportation and removal services shall not include: (a) The arrangement or conduction of funerals; (b) The provision for the care or preparation, including embalming, of dead human bodies; or (c) The sale or provision of funeral-related goods and services; without also the issuance of a funeral service establishment license or an embalming service establishment license. (3) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations related to the processes and procedures for the permitting of persons to provide surface transportation and removal services of dead human bodies. Effective: June 27, 2019 History: Created 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 160, sec. 2, effective June 27, 2019.

KRS 316.170 Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors -- Membership -- Qualifications -- Compensation -- Meetings

316.170. Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors -- Membership -- Qualifications -- Compensation -- Meetings (1) The board shall consist of five (5) members who shall be residents of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Four (4) members shall be Kentucky-licensed embalmers and Kentucky-licensed funeral directors actively practicing embalming and funeral directing in a Kentucky funeral establishment and shall have a minimum of ten (10) years' consecutive experience in the practice of embalming and funeral directing in Kentucky immediately preceding their appointment. One (1) member shall be a citizen at large who is not associated with or financially interested in the practice or business regulated. (2) The Governor shall make all appointments to the board. The four (4) embalmer and funeral director members shall be appointed from a list of three (3) names submitted by the Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky and from a list of three (3) names submitted by the Kentucky Association of Morticians, Inc., for each position to be filled. (3) The term of each member shall be four (4) years. Each member shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. (4) Vacancies on the board shall be filled in the same manner for the unexpired terms. (5) Each board member shall receive compensation as set forth in administrative regulation, not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200) for each day of service actually given in carrying out the board's duties and shall be reimbursed for necessary traveling expenses and other necessary expenses incurred in attending board meetings and carrying out the board's duties. (6) The board shall elect annually a president from its members. (7) The board shall meet as often as necessary to discharge its duties, but not less than once a year. (8) Three (3) members shall constitute a quorum. Effective: June 29, 2021 History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 23, sec. 4, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2014 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2014. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 206, sec. 9, effective June 19, 1976. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 17, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-1.

KRS 316.180 Repealed, 1996

316.180. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: Appointment of board members -- Terms -- Vacancies -- Certificates of appointment. History Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 320, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 206, sec. 10. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 18. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-1, 1599a-3.

KRS 316.190 Repealed, 1996

316.190. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: Board to select officers. History Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 19. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-4.

KRS 316.200 Repealed, 1996

316.200. Repealed, 1996 Catchline at repeal: Oath of board members. History Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 20. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-3.

KRS 316.210 Powers and duties of board

316.210. Powers and duties of board (1) The board shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and may promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to carry out and enforce the provisions of this chapter. (2) The board shall keep records and minutes necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. (3) The board may administer oaths and may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents. (4) The board may seek injunctive relief in Franklin Circuit Court to restrain or enjoin a violation of this chapter. (5) The board may employ persons as necessary to carry out the requirements of this chapter. (6) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations to establish fees authorized by this chapter. Effective: June 29, 2021 History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 23, sec. 5, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 6, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 21, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-4.

KRS 316.220 Repealed, 1960

316.220. Repealed, 1960 Catchline at repeal: Meetings of board -- Quorum. History: Repealed 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 22, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1599a- 4, 1599a-5.

KRS 316.230 Repealed, 1960

316.230. Repealed, 1960 Catchline at repeal: Functions of Board. History Repealed 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 22, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a- 4.

KRS 316.240 Repealed, 1960

316.240. Repealed, 1960 Catchline at repeal: Who may administer oath. History: Repealed 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 22, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a- 6.

KRS 316.250 Repealed, 1988

316.250. Repealed, 1988 Catchline at repeal: Field counsel. History: Repealed 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 11, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 23, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1599a-4.

KRS 316.260 Inspector of Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

316.260. Inspector of Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers There shall be appointed by the board an agent whose title shall be "inspector of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers of the Commonwealth of Kentucky." The inspector shall receive such compensation as the board may determine. The inspector shall hold office during the pleasure of the board which shall determine what his duties shall be. The inspector may enter the office, premises, establishment or place of business of any funeral director or embalmer in the Commonwealth of Kentucky or any office, premises, establishment or place where the practice of funeral directing or embalming is carried on, or where the practice is advertised as being carried on, for the purpose of inspecting the office, premises or establishment for violations of this chapter and for the purpose of inspecting the license and registration of any funeral director, embalmer, licensee or resident apprentice operating therein. Effective: July 15, 1988 History: Created 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1988.

KRS 316.360 Repealed, 1984

316.360. Repealed, 1984 Catchline at repeal: Records of licensee, requirements -- Inspection. History: Repealed 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 27. -- Created 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 6.

KRS 316.370 Repealed, 1984

316.370. Repealed, 1984 Catchline at repeal: Department of banking and securities to enforce law -- Rules and regulations. History: Repealed 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 27. -- Created 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 6.

KRS 316.990 Penalties

316.990. Penalties (1) Any person who violates or aids in the violation of KRS 316.030(1) by engaging in or attempting to engage in embalming or funeral directing or doing any part of a service pertaining to embalming or funeral directing from the time of death until the interment of a dead human body, who is not licensed under this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisoned for not more than six (6) months, or both for each offense. (2) Any person not licensed under this chapter who conducts a funeral establishment or corporation for the preparation and burial of dead human bodies, or who holds himself out to be an embalmer or funeral director, or who prepares, cares for, or disposes of dead human bodies within the meaning of this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisoned for not more than six (6) months, or both. Each day that the establishment is open to the public in violation of this chapter shall be a separate offense. Effective: July 15, 1996 History: Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 149, sec. 11, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 24, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1599a-16, 1599a-16a.

KRS 316.991 Repealed, 1984

316.991. Repealed, 1984 Catchline at repeal: Violations, penalty. History: Repealed 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 27, effective July 13, 1984. -- Created 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 8.
Source: Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (legislature.ky.gov)URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38828Fetched: 10/20/2026

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