KRS Chapter 316: Kentucky Funeral Director and Embalmer Licensing Statute
Statutory core
KRS Chapter 316 creates the Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors and makes unlicensed practice unlawful. The chapter separates the funeral director license from the embalmer license; holding one does not automatically authorize the other. Applicants must meet age, education, apprenticeship, examination, and character requirements set by statute and board rule. The board also licenses funeral establishments, branch establishments, and crematory operations, and may issue reciprocal licenses after reviewing equivalent credentials. Licenses are time-limited and must be renewed, with continuing education and fees imposed by regulation. The board may investigate, fine, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license, and may act against an establishment that operates through an unlicensed person.
Worked example
A mortuary-school graduate completes an apprenticeship in another state and moves to Kentucky. She may not embalm or arrange funerals while her reciprocal application is pending. The board must verify education, apprenticeship, exam history, and standing; reciprocity is discretionary, not a ministerial transfer. If she begins embalming before licensure, both she and the supervising establishment face discipline.
Traps
Do not assume a funeral director license includes embalming authority. Do not treat corporate ownership as a substitute for a licensed manager. Do not practice on an expired license; “renewal pending” is not a license. Do not assume out-of-state licensure automatically qualifies in Kentucky.