Funeral Services Advisory Committee Update
The Funeral Services Advisory Committee application is live on the Arizona Department of Health Services website. Currently, 20 applications have been received, and new applications will be reviewed until all positions are filled. A public member who owns a non-funeral-related business is still needed.
Centralized Embalming Locations Update
AZDHS is creating a form for firms using Centralized Embalming Locations. Once completed, firms can eliminate their on-site prep/embalming rooms. Until this process is finalized, all firms must maintain an embalming room, which will be inspected. Reviews of submissions will take up to two weeks.
Licensing Changes
The Funeral Services Licensing is now under Professions & Occupations, previously known as Special Licensing. Forms can still be submitted through Special Licensing, but they will soon be updated to reflect the new name. Our tab is located https://www.azdhs.gov/index.php > Divisions > Licensing > Professions & Occupations > Funeral Services Licensing.
The “Letter of Good Standing” has been changed to “License Verification” and can be accessed through AZ Care Check or requested via a Google Form. This change is important for those seeking reciprocity in other states.
Pathway to Licensure
Updates regarding the Pathway to Licensure are now in effect. For more information, visit the statute link here.
Rule-making, Alkaline Hydrolysis and Natural Organic Reduction (NOR)
NOR is now legal, but rule-making will extend until Summer 2025. Public comments are welcome, and updates can be followed online. Licensure for NOR and Alkaline Hydrolysis will fall under cremationist/crematory licensure, with separate certifications needed for each. This is for both individual operators and facility licensing.
Public comments for the draft rules will be open soon, with a projected completion date for rulemaking by next summer.
Click here for rule-making updates.
Need Help?
The department sends out regular updates, but if you have any questions, need clarification, or are facing issues that aren’t being addressed, please reach out to AFCCA. We have a standing advocacy committee and hold quarterly stakeholder meetings with the department.
advocacy@azfcca.org