Indiana Administrative Code Title 832 - STATE BOARD OF FUNERAL AND CEMETERY SERVICE
Purpose of Title 832
Title 832 establishes the rules and regulatory framework for the State Board of Funeral and Cemetery Service.
This Board is responsible for regulating funeral directors, embalmers, funeral homes, and cemetery operations in Indiana. Its purpose is to ensure that funeral and cemetery services are carried out with professionalism, respect, and proper protection for consumers and families.
Main Areas Covered in Title 832
1. Board Organization and Authority
Defines how the State Board of Funeral and Cemetery Service is structured.
Membership includes licensed professionals (funeral directors, embalmers), public representatives, and sometimes consumer protection voices.
The Board elects officers, holds regular meetings, and adopts rules.
Empowered to grant, suspend, revoke, or discipline licenses.
2. Licensing of Funeral Professionals
Funeral Director Licenses
Requirements for education, apprenticeship, examinations, and training.
Continuing education obligations for license renewal.
Embalmer Licenses
Standards for embalming practices and formal training.
Rules on preserving human remains, use of chemicals, and health/safety measures.
Funeral Home Registration
Funeral homes must register with the Board.
Facilities must meet health, safety, and inspection standards.
Cemetery Licensing/Registration
Cemeteries may need registration or approval depending on services offered.
Covers burial space management, record keeping, and maintenance.
3. Standards of Professional Practice
Rules for ethical conduct by funeral directors and embalmers.
Guidelines for pricing transparency: requiring itemized statements so families know what they are paying for.
Requirements for contracts between funeral homes/cemeteries and consumers.
Prohibition of deceptive practices, misrepresentation, or exploitation of grieving families.
4. Health, Safety, and Sanitation
Regulations for embalming rooms, equipment, and handling of human remains.
Standards for transportation, storage, and preparation of bodies.
Rules for crematories (if covered under cemetery service provisions).
Public health safeguards to prevent disease transmission.
5. Pre-Need Funeral and Cemetery Services
Governs pre-paid funeral and cemetery arrangements.
Rules on how funds must be deposited, held in trust, or insured until services are delivered.
Provides consumer protections for refunds, cancellations, or transfers of pre-need contracts.
6. Enforcement & Discipline
The Board investigates complaints from the public.
It can impose penalties, suspend licenses, revoke licenses, or mandate corrective action.
Provides due process through hearings and appeals.
7. Recordkeeping and Inspections
Funeral homes and cemeteries must maintain detailed records of services, contracts, and financial transactions.
Board inspectors may audit facilities and records to ensure compliance.
Transparency is emphasized to protect consumers and ensure accountability.
Impact of Title 832
Protects consumers during emotionally vulnerable times by ensuring fair treatment and transparency.
Upholds professional standards for funeral and cemetery service providers.
Safeguards public health through rules on embalming, handling, and burial practices.
Strengthens trust between families and service providers.
✅ In summary: Indiana Administrative Code Title 832 creates the State Board of Funeral and Cemetery Service, gives it authority to regulate funeral directors, embalmers, funeral homes, and cemeteries, and lays down rules for licensing, professional conduct, consumer protection, pre-need services, inspections, and enforcement.
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