§840. Powers and duties of the board; rules and regulations

A. The board shall have all the powers necessary for administering and enforcing the provisions of this Chapter. Such powers shall include, but not be limited to,

(1) Making reasonable rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

(2) Conducting examinations as often as found necessary, according to reasonable standards adopted by the board under the authority and requirements of this Chapter, for applicants desiring to practice the science of embalming or the profession of funeral directing or both, and the issuance of licenses to those found to be qualified and eligible therefor.

(3) Prescribing requirements, in accordance with the provisions and intent of this Chapter, for funeral homes and other establishments engaged in the care and disposition of dead human bodies, including but not limited to rules relating to personnel, sanitation and disinfection and the making of inspections in connection therewith, and the issuance of licenses to those found to be qualified and eligible therefor.

(4) Holding of such hearings and the making of such investigations as may be found necessary in carrying out the purposes and intent of this Chapter, with the right to subpoena licensees, their records, books and accounts and others from whom information is needed, and to administer oaths and issue commissions to take depositions of witnesses, within and outside the state. Oaths may be administered and subpoenas issued by any member of the board in connection with such hearings and investigations.

(5) The appointment of an attorney at law to represent it in all matters and fixing his compensation and defining his duties.

(6) The adoption of a common seal.

(7) Authorizing and regulating branch establishments.

B. It shall be the duty of the board to:

(1) Meet at least once a year or oftener if necessary for the proper and efficient performance of its functions.

(2) Conduct examinations of applicants for licenses to practice embalming or funeral directing as often as necessary to prevent unreasonable delay in passing on applications, and make prompt investigations and decisions on applications for licenses to operate funeral homes; and to promptly issue licenses to all persons and establishments found qualified and eligible therefor.

(3) Employ an investigator and promptly dispose of any valid complaints or any reported violations of the provisions of this Chapter, and dispatch, without undue delay, any other matters or business coming properly within the scope of its authority.

Amended by Acts 1958, No. 28, §1; Acts 1963, No. 12, §1; Acts 1966, No. 19, §1, eff. June 15, 1966 at 10:30 A.M., Acts 1974, No. 3, §1.