(a) A person who desires to have a license as a crematory retort operator in this state shall:

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

(2) Have received a high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development;

(3) Make written application to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors and attach the fee prescribed by § 17-29-208;

(4) Take and pass the appropriate exams as determined by the board; and

(5) Provide the information required by the board.

(b) Application for a crematory retort operator license shall be made on forms furnished by the board.

(c) Each crematory retort operator shall be required to submit initial Occupational Safety and Health Administration blood-borne pathogen training.

(d) (1) The board shall grant the application if the board finds that the applicant:

(A) Possesses a knowledge of the operation of a crematorium retort; and

(B) Meets the qualifications under this section.

(e)

(1) The board may require an applicant for licensure as a crematory retort operator to successfully complete up to twenty (20) hours of classroom instruction in crematory operation practices and ethics, and laws and rules affecting cremations and operating a crematory retort.

(2) The board shall approve all courses that satisfy this requirement.

(f) Within a reasonable amount of time after the effective date of this subchapter, a crematory retort operator who is operating a crematory retort in this state shall be licensed as determined by rules of the board.