West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 6 - Funeral Service Examiners
Overview
Agency 6, Funeral Service Examiners, regulates the practice of funeral service in West Virginia. Its mission is to protect public health, maintain dignity in the care of the deceased, and ensure professional and ethical standards in funeral directing, embalming, and related services.
The agency oversees licensing, professional conduct, facility standards, and enforcement, making sure funeral service providers operate safely and respectfully.
Primary Functions
Licensing & Certification
Issues licenses to funeral directors, embalmers, and apprentices after verifying qualifications.
Establishes requirements for examinations, training, and apprenticeships.
Provides renewal procedures and maintains a registry of all licensed practitioners.
Education & Apprenticeships
Sets minimum educational requirements for applicants (such as mortuary science or equivalent programs).
Approves apprenticeship programs under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Requires continuing education to ensure practitioners stay updated on laws, safety, and ethics.
Examinations
Conducts or approves written and practical examinations for funeral service professionals.
Ensures applicants demonstrate competency in embalming, funeral directing, public health, and ethical practices.
Standards of Practice
Establishes rules for the handling, embalming, and disposition of human remains.
Sets facility requirements for funeral homes, embalming rooms, and crematories.
Provides guidelines for record-keeping, contracts, and disclosure of services and costs to families.
Public Protection
Ensures funeral services are carried out with dignity, safety, and transparency.
Requires practitioners to follow sanitation and public health standards in embalming and cremation.
Protects families from unfair practices through clear consumer protection rules.
Compliance & Enforcement
Investigates complaints against licensed professionals and funeral establishments.
Conducts inspections of funeral homes and crematories to ensure compliance with regulations.
Imposes disciplinary measures such as fines, suspensions, or license revocations for violations.
Continuing Education
Requires license holders to complete ongoing training on technical, ethical, and public health matters.
Approves qualifying courses and professional seminars.
Organizational Structure
Board of Funeral Service Examiners: Governing body that sets policy, reviews applications, and conducts disciplinary hearings.
Executive Director/Administrator: Manages daily operations, supervises staff, and ensures compliance.
Divisions within the Agency may include:
Licensing Division – Handles applications, renewals, and apprenticeships.
Examination Division – Oversees testing and competency evaluations.
Compliance & Enforcement Division – Manages inspections, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
Education & Standards Division – Maintains educational requirements and continuing education programs.
Eligibility & Requirements
Funeral Director/Embalmer Applicants Must:
Complete an approved mortuary science program.
Serve a supervised apprenticeship.
Pass written and practical examinations.
Demonstrate ethical and professional fitness.
For License Renewal:
Complete continuing education credits.
Submit renewal applications on time.
Maintain compliance with agency standards.
Scope of Authority
The agency has the power to:
Grant, deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for funeral service professionals.
Inspect funeral homes, crematories, and embalming facilities.
Set standards for embalming, cremation, and funeral directing practices.
Investigate complaints and impose penalties for misconduct.
Protect consumers by ensuring transparency in pricing and services.
Key Focus Areas
Public Health & Safety – Maintain proper sanitary practices in embalming and handling remains.
Dignity & Ethics – Ensure professional and respectful treatment of the deceased.
Professional Competency – Require training, examination, and continuing education.
Consumer Protection – Ensure clear disclosure of funeral costs and prevent exploitation of grieving families.
Accountability – Enforce compliance through inspections, investigations, and disciplinary actions.
Summary
Agency 6 serves as the regulatory authority for funeral service in West Virginia, ensuring that funeral directors, embalmers, and establishments uphold standards of safety, dignity, professionalism, and consumer protection. It balances public health responsibilities with the ethical duty to care for the deceased and their families.
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