Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 250 - RULES OF GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF FUNERAL SERVICE
Chapter 250-5 - PERSONAL LICENSURE
Rule 250-5-.12 - Continuing Education Requirements; Provider Approval

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 250-5-.12

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through December 27, 2023

(1) Ten (10) hours of continuing education are required biennially (every two (2) years) to renew an embalmer or funeral director license. At the time of renewal, each licensee shall submit an Application for License Renewal and a report in writing, under oath, noting the number of hours of continuing education completed during the two (2) years preceding the renewal.

At least five (5) hours of the total ten (10) hours required must be obtained in-person or via live webinar that is instructor led with student interaction, where student participation is monitored and verified.

(a) Continuing education shall be in any or all of the following subject areas:
1. FTC Funeral Rule Compliance

2. Embalming and Restorative Arts

3. Leadership and Development

4. Crematory/Alkaline Hydrolysis

5. OSHA Requirements

6. Advertising/Social Media/Technology

7. Funeral Directing/Aftercare

(2) All licensees must obtain ten (10) hours whether they hold one or two licenses.

(3) Funeral directors or embalmers who are licensed by the Board within the second year of the renewal cycle (after April 1 of the odd numbered year) will not be required to submit continuing education hours for their first license renewal.

(4) Hardship, Disability and Age Requirement. The continuing education requirement shall be waived for persons who hold an Inactive Status license or for licensed individuals age 65 or older; and

(a) The Board may waive the continuing education requirement in cases of hardship, disability, illness, or under such circumstances as the Board deems appropriate. The waiver must be requested in writing to the Board and must be accompanied by acceptable documentation.

(5) The Board shall be authorized to approve courses offered by educational institutions, specialty societies, professional or other organizations, or government agencies upon submission of an application and non-refundable fee. For the purpose of this rule, 'government agencies' means federal, state or local government agencies, public school systems and licensed hospitals.

(6) The Board may, in its discretion, accept continuing education hours that are approved in another state. The Board may require the licensee to submit information concerning the course(s), and proof of successful completion.

(7) Board Approved Providers. Continuing education hours may be obtained by participating in activities sponsored by Board-Approved Providers. Board-Approved Providers shall offer programs only in the topic areas for which they have been approved. The provider shall certify the number of clock hours of educational content in each continuing education activity.

(a) To qualify for initial approval, to renew approval or to qualify for approval in additional topic areas, a provider must submit to the Board:
1. a Funeral Service Board-Approved Continuing Education Provider Application and non-refundable fee (See fee schedule); and

2. a description of the topic areas in which the provider plans to sponsor continuing education activities; and

3. the names of all instructors currently offering continuing education activities, a description of the topic areas in which the instructor is qualified to teach along with a resume or other evidence demonstrating that each instructor is qualified in the identified topic area; and

4. program outlines, including instructors, objectives, schedules and instructional material.

(b) Board-Approved Provider status shall expire March 31 of even numbered years. The Provider must submit a new application and non-refundable application fee for the next renewal cycle. The Board retains the right to monitor continuing education programs sponsored by Board-Approved Providers and will withdraw approval from providers who do not maintain Board standard.

(8) Board Approved Instructors. Continuing Education Instructors must meet minimum qualifications for instructor certification.

(a) In order to qualify for initial Board approval or to renew Board approval, a provider must submit the following to the Board:
1. a Funeral Service Board Approved Instructor Application and non-refundable fee (see fee schedule); and

2. a description of the topic areas in which the instructor is qualified to teach along with a resume or other evidence demonstrating that each instructor is qualified in the identified topic area; and

3. evidence of a minimum of five (5) years supervisory experience in the Funeral Service Profession; or

4. evidence of any other experience or education which may qualify applicant for certification upon the discretion of the Board.

(b) Board-approved instructor status shall expire March 31 of even-numbered years. The instructor must submit a new application and non-refundable fee for the next renewal cycle.

(9) Reporting and Documentation. Each licensee shall maintain documentation of their continuing education activities.

(a) Each licensee shall attest, on the biennial license renewal application, that the licensee has satisfied the continuing education requirements. Documentation of these activities shall be retained for three (3) years by the licensee and shall be provided to the Board only upon the Board's request. False attestation of satisfaction of the continuing education requirements on a renewal application may subject the licensee to disciplinary action, including license revocation; and

(b) The Board will audit a fixed percentage of the renewal applications. Licensees whose applications are audited will be required to provide documentation of having met the continuing education requirements; and

(c) An audited licensee who fails to provide the Board with acceptable documentation of the hours attested to in the renewal application shall not have their license renewed. In the event the person seeks a new license, the Board may in its discretion review and take into consideration all files, including investigative files and/or reports, related to the person and/or establishment.

O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-18-23, 43-18-43, 43-18-55, 43-18-56.

Original Rule entitled "Continuing Education Requirements" adopted. F. Dec. 10, 2009; eff. Dec. 30, 2009.

Amended: New title "Continuing Education Requirements; Provider Approval." F. July 19, 2017; eff. August 8, 2017.

Amended: F. Oct. 25, 2018; eff. Nov. 14, 2018.

Amended: F. Feb. 10, 2023; eff. Mar. 2, 2023.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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