(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, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services and attach the fee prescribed by the board;

(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 United States 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.