The bill amends the Mortuary Science Act to better serve New Jersey's diverse population by creating two distinct licensure categories: Practitioner of Mortuary and Embalming Science and Practitioner of Mortuary Science. This change aims to reduce barriers for those interested in non-embalming funeral practices, particularly in light of a shortage of mortuary practitioners exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also revises definitions, the structure of the State Board of Mortuary Science, and examination requirements, notably removing the embalming proficiency requirement for the Practitioner of Mortuary Science license and allowing examinations to be conducted by entities other than the board.

Additional amendments include the requirement for applicants to complete two years of practical training as registered interns, with specific case volume and embalming experience requirements. The bill also allows for the registration of two interns in establishments with multiple licensees and mandates the State Board to establish rules for intern training. It clarifies that individuals licensed before the bill's enactment will need to comply with the new requirements upon renewal. Furthermore, the bill addresses licensing for out-of-state practitioners, examination fees, and continuing education for license renewal, while emphasizing public health and safety standards in mortuary operations. The new regulations will take effect 18 months after the bill's enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:7-34, 45:7-35, 45:7-38, 45:7-41, 45:7-43, 45:7-47, 45:7-48, 45:7-49, 45:7-49.1, 45:7-50, 45:7-59, 45:7-61, 45:7-65, 45:7-65.2, 45:7-65.3, 45:7-65.4, 45:7-72.1, 45:7-72.2, 45:7-73, 45:7-73.1
Advance Law: 45:7-34, 45:7-35, 45:7-38, 45:7-41, 45:7-43, 45:7-47, 45:7-48, 45:7-49, 45:7-49.1, 45:7-50, 45:7-59, 45:7-61, 45:7-65, 45:7-65.2, 45:7-65.3, 45:7-65.4, 45:7-72.1, 45:7-72.2, 45:7-73, 45:7-73.1, 45:7-95
Pamphlet Law: 45:7-34, 45:7-35, 45:7-38, 45:7-41, 45:7-43, 45:7-47, 45:7-48, 45:7-49, 45:7-49.1, 45:7-50, 45:7-59, 45:7-61, 45:7-65, 45:7-65.2, 45:7-65.3, 45:7-65.4, 45:7-72.1, 45:7-72.2, 45:7-73, 45:7-73.1, 45:7-95