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 18VAC65-20, Regulations of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers; 18VAC65-30, Regulations for Preneed Funeral Planning; and 18VAC65-40, Regulations for the Funeral Service Internship Program.The purpose of the proposed action is to implement Chapter 943 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly and establish the education, examination, and experience required to be issued a license as a funeral director or a license as an embalmer. Applicants will be required to obtain an associate degree in an accredited mortuary science program or complete a program approved by the board. Coursework in embalming will not be required for the funeral director license, and coursework in funeral directing and preneed financing will not be required for the embalmer license. All funeral interns will be required to complete 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the area of funeral practice for which the interns are seeking licensure. Amendments are also necessary for the three types of licenses and scopes of practice, as applicable, throughout 18VAC65-20, 18VAC65-30, and 18VAC65-40.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

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

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Corie Tillman Wolf, Executive Director, Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4479, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email fanbd@dhp.virginia.gov.