The Funeral Services Licensing rulemaking has been approved. The updated rules will go into effect on July 4, 2026.
You may review the Notice of Final Rulemaking here: Notice of Final Rulemaking (as filed). To see the history of this rulemaking, please click here.
We will be providing additional guidance. In the meantime, we encourage you to begin reviewing the updated rules. Below are a few key highlights:
Funeral Establishments (see Article 3)
- A floor plan is now required (may be hand-drawn).
- Establishments may update licenses for changes such as ownership, management, name, location, or structural modifications.
- Required development and implementation of policies and procedures (e.g., staff qualifications, safety, handling of remains, consumer protections).
- Implementing policies and procedures is standard practice for facilities regulated by the Department of Health, as it allows each facility to meet regulatory requirements in a manner that aligns with its business model and operational practices.
- Responsible funeral directors must ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
- New requirements related to notification of prearranged funeral agreement holders for certain changes.
- Added safety requirements for handling remains involving radioactive materials.
- Updated facility, equipment, and transportation standards.
Crematories (see Article 4)
- A floor plan is now required (may be hand-drawn).
- License updates required for ownership, management, location, or structural changes.
- Required development and implementation of policies and procedures.
- Implementing policies and procedures is standard practice for facilities regulated by the Department of Health, as it allows each facility to meet regulatory requirements in a manner that aligns with its business model and operational practices.
- Responsible cremationists must ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
- New and updated safety, equipment, and environmental requirements, including provisions for alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction.
We encourage all licensees to review the updated rules to ensure continued compliance. If you have questions, feel free to call us at 602-364-2079 or email us at blpofuneral@azdhs.gov.