(a) There may be appointed by the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors an agent or agents whose title shall be Inspector of the Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors of the State of Arkansas. No person shall be eligible for appointment to the office unless he or she has not fewer than five (5) consecutive years of active experience as an embalmer and funeral director licensed in this state. The board may appoint an investigator who need not be a licensed embalmer or funeral director.

(b) The inspector shall hold office at the pleasure of the board who shall determine his or her duties.

(c) (1) The inspector, with proper identification, may enter any office, premises, establishment, or place of business in this state where the practice of embalming, funeral directing, cremation, or transportation of human remains is carried on, or where the practice is advertised as being carried on, to:

(A) Inspect the office, premises, crematory, or establishment;

(B) Inspect the license and registration of a licensee;

(C) Inspect the manner and scope of training given to an apprentice; and

(D) Ensure compliance with all state laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to funeral service.

(2) By accepting a license under § 17-29-301 et seq., the licensee grants permission for the inspector or other board designee to enter the licensee's business premises without prior notice.

(d) The inspector is further authorized to serve and execute any process issued by any court under the provisions of this chapter, to serve and execute any papers or process issued by the board under the authority of this subchapter and § 17-29-301 et seq., and to perform such other duties as prescribed or ordered by the board.

(e) The inspector shall not accept any employment, salary, fees, or other remuneration from a funeral establishment or wholesale firm dealing in funeral supplies and equipment.

(f) The inspector shall receive such compensation as the board may determine within the maximum authorized by law.