Section 1250.110  Approved Programs of Mortuary Science

a)         The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation-Division of Professional Regulation (Division) shall approve a program of mortuary science as reputable and in good standing if it meets the following minimum criteria:

1)         The educational institution is legally recognized and authorized by the jurisdiction in which it is located to provide courses in mortuary science.

2)         Has a faculty that comprises a sufficient number of full-time and part-time instructors to make certain that the educational obligations to the student are fulfilled.  The faculty must have demonstrated competence in their areas of teaching as evidenced by appropriate degrees from recognized professional colleges or institutions.

3)         Has one of the following:

A)        A course of study of at least 12 months with at least the following curriculum:

Anatomy

Restorative Art

Microbiology

Embalming

Sociology

Psychology

Chemistry

B)        A course of study resulting in an associate's degree in mortuary science or an equivalent associate's degree (i.e., applied science), consisting of courses in liberal arts and sciences as well as the curriculum described in subsection (a)(3)(A).

C)        A course of study resulting in a baccalaureate degree in mortuary science.

4)         Maintains permanent student records that summarize the credentials for admission, attendance, grades and other records of performance.

b)         In determining whether a program should be approved, the Division shall take into consideration but not be bound by accreditation by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, Inc.

c)         The Division has determined that all mortuary science programs accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, Inc. as of January 1, 2003, meet the minimum criteria set forth in subsection (a), and are, therefore, approved.

d)         Program Evaluation

1)         An applicant from a program of mortuary science that has not been evaluated shall be requested by the Division to provide documentation concerning the criteria in this Section.

2)         Once the Division has received the documentation or after 6 months have elapsed from the date of application, whichever comes first, the Division will evaluate the program based on all documentation received from the school and any additional information the Division has received that it deems to be reliable.

e)         Withdrawal of Approval

1)         The Director of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation-Division of Professional Regulation (Director) may withdraw, suspend or place on probation the approval of a program of mortuary science when the quality of the program has been materially affected by any of the following causes:

A)        Gross or repeated violations of any provision of the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code (the Code) [225 ILCS 41];

B)        Gross or repeated violations of this Part;

C)        Fraud or dishonesty in furnishing documentation for evaluation of the program of mortuary science; or

D)        Failure to continue to meet the established criteria for an approved program as set out in this Section.

2)         The officials in charge of a program whose approval is being reconsidered by the Division shall be given written notice prior to any action by the Division and those officials may either submit written comments or request a hearing before the Division in accordance with 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1110.

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 13999, effective August 30, 2005)