Frequently Asked Questions – please refer to “Notices & Information” – FAQs

Thank you for visiting the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors website. The practice of embalming and funeral directing is regulated by the Board in order to protect the public, safety, and welfare.

Consumers: The Board ensures that individuals who enter the professional practice of embalming and funeral directing meet and maintain the qualifications, standards and professionalism required to competently practice their profession in Louisiana. All applicants must meet the minimum education, experience, and examination requirements before obtaining a license and the Board must evaluate each application to ensure those minimum qualifications are met.

The Board’s licensees possess the knowledge, skills and abilities that enable them to meet the needs of their clients, the public and their communities. The Board investigates complaints against licensed establishments and/or licensed individuals who are practicing embalming and funeral directing and/or individuals practicing without a license and disciplines individuals who are found to have violated the law.

Licensed embalmers and funeral directors are charged with protecting the public. They have been educated, examined, have gained years of experience, and must annually attend continuing education to stay up to date in their profession.

The LSBEFD takes its role of public protection seriously; but, can only act within its authority as a regulatory board. If you feel an establishment or a licensed funeral director is violating the LSBEFD practice you may file a complaint with us or with the local authorities. We as a board will not file a complaint with the local law enforcement; but, encourage you to do so if you desire criminal prosecution.

Licenses: Through the tabs above, please review the regulations for licensing and practice. The internship guidelines outline the minimum requirements for licensure as an embalmer and funeral director, a funeral director only or a retort operator. Establishment(s) requirements are outlined within the regulations. The forms tab will bring up a list of the applications needed for applying to the Board with instructions and excerpts of the regulations for that particular license.

All applications must be received in the office for review and determination. This office strives to ensure that applications are reviewed and processed as soon as possible and if all of the requirements have been met, licenses are issued immediately without delay, usually within one day of receipt of the application. Notices will be issued, in writing, advising if there are any exclusions that must be met before a license can be issued. For interns, these notices are mailed in advance of the deadline for licensing so that the requirements can be met without any delay in the process.

Please feel free to call or email us with any questions or concerns and we will try to assist or guide you to the best of our ability.

Sincerely,

The Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors