Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 035 - Funeral Service Practitioners, Board of
1. Overview of the Board
The Wyoming Board of Funeral Service Practitioners is a state regulatory agency under the Wyoming Department of Health. Its main responsibility is to regulate the practice of funeral service in Wyoming to ensure public safety, professionalism, and compliance with state law.
The Board oversees:
Funeral directors
Embalmers
Crematory operators (sometimes included depending on the rules)
Funeral service apprentices or students in training
2. Purpose of the Regulations
The rules under Agency 035 are designed to:
Protect the public from unqualified or unethical practitioners.
Set minimum education and training requirements for licensure.
Regulate the handling, preparation, and disposition of human remains.
Establish ethical standards for funeral services.
Enforce compliance through investigations, fines, and disciplinary actions.
3. Licensing Requirements
The Board regulates who can legally practice funeral service. The main categories of licensure include:
a) Funeral Director
Must complete approved education in funeral service (college or mortuary school).
Pass the National Board Exam in funeral directing.
Complete a state-specific exam in Wyoming law and regulations.
Maintain good moral character.
b) Embalmer
Must complete approved embalming education and training.
Pass the National Board Exam in embalming.
May be required to pass a state exam.
c) Apprentice / Trainee
Must work under a licensed funeral director or embalmer.
Complete a required number of hours in practical training.
Often must report progress to the Board.
d) Reciprocity / Out-of-State License
Licensed practitioners from other states may apply for a Wyoming license if they meet Wyoming standards.
4. Continuing Education
Practitioners are usually required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours during each renewal cycle (e.g., 12–24 hours per year, though exact number may vary).
Education topics often include:
Funeral ethics
Wyoming funeral laws
Health and safety
Professional practice updates
5. Business and Facility Requirements
If you operate a funeral home, crematory, or mortuary:
Must maintain proper facilities for embalming, cremation, and storage of remains.
Must comply with sanitation and safety standards.
Must report changes in business location, ownership, or management to the Board.
Must display licenses and other required documentation.
6. Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
The Board sets rules to ensure ethical behavior:
No misrepresentation of services or prices.
Proper care and respect for human remains.
Avoiding conflicts of interest, such as kickbacks.
Honest business practices and transparent communication with families.
Violations can lead to:
License suspension or revocation
Fines or penalties
Probation with restrictions
7. Disciplinary Procedures
The Board investigates complaints against practitioners:
Complaint filed by the public, family, or government agency.
Investigation by Board staff.
Hearing if sufficient evidence is found.
Sanction if the practitioner is found guilty of violations (e.g., unlicensed practice, negligence, or unethical conduct).
8. Fees and Renewals
Licenses are valid for a set period (usually 1–2 years).
Renewal requires:
Payment of fees
Proof of continuing education
Compliance with any Board orders or sanctions
Fees are also set for:
Initial licensing
Apprentice registration
Facility licensing
Duplicate licenses
9. Key Takeaways
The Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 035 is basically the rulebook for funeral service in Wyoming. It ensures that:
Only qualified, trained, and ethical people practice funeral services.
Facilities meet safety and health standards.
Families and the public are protected from malpractice or unethical practices.
Practitioners are accountable and stay up-to-date with professional knowledge.
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