(a) The State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors may promulgate appropriate rules for the transaction of its business, for the betterment and promotion of the standards of service and practice to be followed, and the qualifications to:

(1) Practice embalming, funeral directing, or cremation;

(2) Transport human remains; or

(3) Operate a funeral establishment, mortuary service, crematorium, retort, or transport service firm to transport human remains.

(b) The board may promulgate rules reasonably necessary to reflect any changes in the law as adopted by the United States Congress or any appropriate agency of the United States Government as it affects funeral establishments, funeral directors, or embalmers and for the purpose of keeping this law consistent with, and compatible to, the laws of the United States.

(c)

(1) The board shall adopt bylaws and rules in connection with the care and disposition of human remains in this state.

(2) The board shall enforce compliance with this subchapter and § 17-29-301 et seq., and may transact any other business necessary for carrying out this subchapter and § 17-29-301 et seq.

(d)

(1) The board may promulgate reasonable rules for the licensing of crematoriums.

(2)

(A) Beginning January 1, 1990, a crematorium may not be operated in this state unless licensed by the board, and a person shall not be cremated in this state except at a licensed crematorium.

(B) Violations of this subsection are Class A misdemeanors.

(e)

(1) In the interest of public health and to ensure the safe, secure, and timely transportation of dead human bodies in and through Arkansas, the board may license, inspect, and promulgate reasonable rules for any person, partnership, corporation, association, society, or other legal entity engaged in the business of transporting dead human bodies over the public streets and highways of this state.

(2) Violations of rules promulgated under this subsection are Class A misdemeanors.

(f) The board shall establish the standards of practice and a code of ethics for a person or business licensed under § 17-29-301 et seq.