Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 642 - Funeral Directors, Embalmers and Operators of Cemeteries and Crematories

27 Jun 2025 --
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1. Standards of Practice: Handling Human Remains

NAC 642 sets clear rules for funeral directors and embalmers on how to handle human remains safely and respectfully:

Bodies must be stored in a dignified manner, never placed directly on the floor.

Embalming must be done promptly, and records must include the time of death, time of embalming, and condition of the body.

Transportation must ensure the body is face-up, in a proper container, and handled only by licensed personnel.

Case Example – Delayed Cremation:
A funeral home received a body in November but did not cremate it until March of the following year. This was deemed a violation because the handling of the body was not timely, violating both public health standards and professional conduct rules. The funeral home was placed on probation and required to report on all pending remains until the backlog was cleared.

2. Misrepresentation and False Advertising

NAC 642 prohibits advertising services that a business is not licensed to provide:

You cannot advertise a crematory or funeral service facility as operational before obtaining the proper permits.

Misleading statements about services, costs, or location of remains are considered unprofessional conduct.

Case Example – Advertising Without License:
A new funeral service advertised itself as a fully licensed crematory before receiving the permit. The Board disciplined the owner, requiring a cease-and-desist on advertising, a formal acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and a probation period until proper licensing was confirmed.

3. Grounds for Disciplinary Action

Licensees can face discipline for:

Unprofessional conduct

Criminal convictions related to their profession

Failure to comply with NAC or state laws

Improper handling or transportation of remains

Case Example – Embalming Violations:
A licensed embalmer failed to complete embalming reports within 24 hours. This omission violated recordkeeping rules and constituted unprofessional conduct. The Board fined the embalmer, required remedial training, and mandated regular reporting to ensure compliance.

4. Transportation of Remains

Funeral directors must ensure that bodies are transported:

Only by licensed personnel or agents

In approved containers and vehicles

In accordance with health and safety regulations

Case Example – Unauthorized Transport:
A funeral home used an unlicensed driver to transport remains to another city. The Board considered this a serious violation because it risked public health and demonstrated a lack of oversight. The funeral director’s license was suspended temporarily, and stricter internal controls were required.

5. Management and Operational Responsibilities

A licensed funeral director must manage funeral establishments.

Embalming services must be performed by licensed embalmers.

Facilities must maintain records of all employees and ensure compliance with all NAC 642 rules.

Case Example – Unlicensed Management:
A funeral establishment allowed an unlicensed person to operate the facility for several months. The Board revoked the license until the facility appointed a licensed funeral director and implemented proper oversight policies.

6. Complaint and Hearing Procedures

Any person can file a complaint about a licensed funeral professional.

The Board investigates complaints and may schedule hearings.

Licensees must respond; failure to respond may be treated as an admission of wrongdoing.

Case Example – Formal Complaint:
A family filed a complaint about a funeral home mishandling remains during transportation. After an investigation, the funeral director agreed to a formal hearing, acknowledged the violation, and accepted probation along with mandatory training on proper handling and transportation protocols.