(a) A person who desires to practice the science of embalming in this state shall:

(1) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(2) Be a graduate of an accredited high school or the equivalent thereof;

(3) Be a graduate of a school of mortuary science that is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education or approved by the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services;

(4) Make a written application to the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services attaching the fee as prescribed by the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services;

(5) Have served as a registered apprentice embalmer for not less than twelve (12) months in the State of Arkansas under the direct personal supervision of an Arkansas-licensed embalmer and submit at least fifty (50) case reports to the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services;

(6) Take and pass both parts of the National Board Examination, if required by the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services;

(7) (A) Take and pass an examination approved by the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services that covers:

(i) Arkansas law; and

(ii) Rules deemed necessary by the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services.

(B) To be eligible to take the examination under subdivision (a)(7)(A) of this section, an applicant shall be an active apprentice who is currently registered with the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services; and

(8)

(A) Undergo and pass a criminal background check conducted by the Department of Arkansas State Police.

(B) The State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services may charge and collect a processing fee in an amount necessary to recover the cost imposed by the department for the criminal background check under subdivision (a)(8)(A) of this section.

(b)

(1) A person desiring to engage in the science of embalming in this state, in addition to graduating from an approved college of mortuary science recognized by the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services, shall serve an apprenticeship of one (1) year in the State of Arkansas under an embalmer licensed by the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services and shall assist in the preparation of at least fifty (50) bodies under the direct supervision of an Arkansas-licensed embalmer.

(2)

(A) This apprenticeship shall be registered with the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services on applications provided by the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services.

(B) Individual case reports shall be signed by both the apprentice and the licensed embalmer under whose supervision the work was done and filed with the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services by the tenth day of the following month.

(3)

(A) An apprenticeship under this subsection may begin not more than twelve (12) months before enrollment in an accredited college of mortuary science or by submitting proof of graduation from an accredited college of mortuary science.

(B) If an apprentice fails to enroll in an accredited college of mortuary science as required under subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section, the apprenticeship shall be terminated for a period to be determined by rule of the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services.

(c) The State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services may suspend or revoke the apprenticeship of an applicant who violates a provision under this subchapter.