Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers intends to consider amending 18VAC65-40, Regulations for the Funeral Service Internship Program. The purpose of the proposed action is to provide clear, enforceable regulations for the supervision and practice of interns so that interns and funeral homes are not misleading the public about their status and are being appropriately supervised to protect public health and safety in the handling of human remains. The proposed action will amend 18VAC65-40-130 to (i) indicate that training should be completed within a timeframe of 18 months through 60 months and provide that the board will only consider extensions for extenuating circumstances; (ii) reduce the initial intern supervisor application fee to $25 but institute a yearly renewal fee of $25 to allow the board to track active supervisors and make sure supervisors are in good standing; and (iii) add a requirement that interns be identified as interns in titles, correspondence, and communications with the public.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2817 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: September 5, 2018.

Agency Contact: Corie Tillman-Wolf, Executive Director, Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4424, FAX (804) 527-4637, or email corie.wolf@dhp.virginia.gov.