Bill > S08152

This bill establishes a new pathway for becoming a licensed funeral director in New York through a four-year apprenticeship program as an alternative to traditional licensing examinations. The apprenticeship must be led by a licensed funeral director and include a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as embalming techniques, funeral arrangement procedures, regulatory compliance, ethics, and industry best practices. To be eligible, applicants must have completed a collegiate-level funeral service program. The Department of Health will develop criteria for certifying these apprenticeships and create an application process, with accepted applicants receiving a registration certificate. After successfully completing the four-year program, which includes a one-year residency, individuals will be issued a certificate of completion that qualifies them to be licensed as a funeral director, undertaker, and embalmer. The bill modifies existing public health law to incorporate this new apprenticeship route, allowing candidates to become licensed either through the traditional examination process or through this new apprenticeship pathway. The new provisions will take effect 180 days after becoming law, providing time for the Department of Health to establish the necessary guidelines and procedures.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8152