N.J. Stat. tit. 45, ch. 7

N.J. Stat. tit. 45, ch. 7
in effect

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-32 Mortuary Science Act; short title

This act shall be known as the "Mortuary Science Act." L.1952, c. 340, p. 1097, s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-32.1 Findings, declarations related to the Mortuary Science Act.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The statutory framework for the licensure in funeral services dates back to the "Mortuary Science Act," P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.), in an era when New Jersey was very different from the culturally and religiously diverse State that exists today, when consumers had far less choice in all aspects of daily life, including funerals. b. While prior to the enactment of the "Mortuary Science Act," individuals had options to be licensed as funeral directors, embalmers, or both, the law enacted in 1952 established a unified licensing system, under which licensed funeral service professionals, defined as practitioners of mortuary science, were to be proficient in both funeral arts and funeral science. c. While the current licensing system serves the State's traditional but declining demographic well, for religious, cultural, environmental, and philosophical reasons, an increasing number of funerals center around disposition without embalming. d. The existing licensing system, requiring proficiency in embalming for licensure as a practitioner of mortuary science, may be one of several reasons that discourage entry into funeral service by persons who are reluctant to practice embalming, but would be eager to serve their communities. e. The current multiple tests and examinations required for licensure are also discouraging entry into the field by requiring an applicant to successfully complete studies and test out of an approved program, then to be reassessed on a standardized nationally recognized exam in funeral arts and sciences, then to successfully pass another examination specific to New Jersey jurisprudence, and finally to demonstrate embalming proficiency on human remains. f. During the last several years, particularly since the COVID 19 pandemic, there has been a shortage of mortuary practitioners in New Jersey, a problem which, in part, could be remedied by removing outmoded barriers to entering the profession. g. Therefore, it is in the public interest to revise the existing system of licensure to accommodate religious, cultural, environmental, and philosophical beliefs more readily as well as to promote consumer choice by providing for a delineation of the all-encompassing licensure of practitioners of mortuary science into "Practitioner of Mortuary and Embalming Science" and "Practitioner of Mortuary Science." L.2025, c.52, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-33 Practice of embalming and funeral directing declared occupation subject to strict regulation

In the interest of, and to better secure, the public health, safety and welfare and for the more efficient administration and supervision of sanitary codes and health regulations, the practice of mortuary science and the practice of embalming and funeral directing are hereby declared to be occupations charged with a high degree of public interest and subject to strict regulation and control. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1097, s. 2. Amended by L.1960, c. 184, p. 760, s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-34 Definitions.

3. As used in P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.): (a) "Board" means the State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey. (b) "Embalming" means the disinfecting or preservation of a dead human body, entirely or in part by the use of chemical substances, fluids or gases in the body, or by introduction of the same into the body by vascular or hypodermic injection or by direct application into the organs or cavities. (c) "Funeral directing" means (1) the engaging in or conducting or holding one's self out as being engaged in or conducting the preparation (other than embalming) for burial or disposal and the direction or supervision of burial or disposal of dead human bodies; (2) maintaining, using, or operating a mortuary; or (3) in connection with one's name or mortuary using the words "mortician" or "funeral director" or "undertaker" or any other words or title of like import or signification. "Funeral directing" also means the engaging in or making, or holding one's self out as being engaged in or making, funeral arrangements, including at need funeral arrangements or preneed funeral arrangements, or the offering or holding one's self out as offering the opportunity to purchase or enroll in a prepaid funeral agreement. As used in this definition, "funeral arrangements," "at need funeral arrangements," "preneed funeral arrangements" and "prepaid funeral agreement" shall have the same meaning as they are defined in section 1 of P.L.1993, c.147 (C.45:7-82). (d) "Mortuary and embalming science" means embalming and funeral directing, as the same are herein defined. (e) "Mortuary science" means funeral directing as the same is herein defined. (f) "Practitioner of mortuary and embalming science" means a qualified person who practices or engages in mortuary and embalming science, as the same is herein defined and who (1) shall be licensed under the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) as a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science; (2) holds a license as both an embalmer and a funeral director under the provisions of any prior law or laws of this State; (3) holds a license as an embalmer under the provisions of any prior law or laws of this State and shall have been licensed as a funeral director; or (4) holds a license as a funeral director under the provisions of any prior law or laws of this State and shall have been licensed as an embalmer. (g) “Practitioner of mortuary science” means a person who practices or engages in funeral directing and is licensed pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.). (h) "Mortuary" means any place or premises devoted to or used in the care and preparation for burial, disposition, or transportation of dead human bodies or any specifically designated location or address where any person or persons shall hold forth that he, she, or they are engaged in the practice of mortuary science, embalming or funeral directing, and shall mean and include any premises of any kind whatsoever in which mortuary science in any of its branches is practiced or in which more than five funerals may be conducted in any calendar year, except publicly owned buildings, places of worship, and meeting places of fraternal organizations. (i) "Registered intern" means a person who is duly registered with the board and who is engaged in the State of New Jersey in learning to practice as a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or as a practitioner of mortuary science under the personal instruction and supervision of a person duly licensed as a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or as a practitioner of mortuary science, as appropriate, and who has an annual case volume as hereinafter provided in section 18 of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-49). A person seeking licensure as a practitioner of mortuary science may learn to practice as a registered intern in mortuary science from a licensed practitioner in mortuary and embalming science, provided that such training solely focuses on funeral directing. (j) “Natural organic reduction” or “controlled supervised decomposition” means the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains into a soil-like product. (k) “Natural organic reduction facility” means a secure structure, room, or other space within a registered mortuary or on registered mortuary property devoted to the process of natural organic reduction of a human body. L.1952,c.340,s.3; amended 1960,c.184,s.2; 1993,c.147,s.14; 2025, c.52, s.2; 2025, c.143, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-35 State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey created

4. There is hereby created in the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety a State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey, which board shall consist of 13 members as follows: two shall be public members and one shall be a State executive department member appointed pursuant to the provisions of section 2 of P.L.1971, c.60 (C.45:1-2.2); eight members, each of whom shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of New Jersey, duly licensed as a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or as a practitioner of mortuary science, as appropriate, and shall have had a minimum of five consecutive years of experience and practice as a practitioner of mortuary science in this State immediately preceding his appointment; and two additional public members, one of whom shall be 62 years of age or older. Members of the board shall be appointed annually by the Governor for a term of three years and shall not serve more than two successive terms. Each member, other than the State executive department member, shall hold office after the expiration of his term of office until his successor shall be duly appointed and qualified. Vacancies occurring by reason of the expiration of term of office shall be filled by the Governor in the calendar year in which any such vacancy occurs for a term of three years from the year of appointment. Vacancies occurring by reason of the failure or neglect of the Governor to make appointments upon the expiration of terms of office as hereinabove provided and vacancies occurring for any other reason whatsoever shall be filled by the Governor for the unexpired term only. Any member of the State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey, other than the State executive department member, may be removed from office by the Governor, for cause, upon notice and opportunity to be heard. The Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors of the State of New Jersey is hereby abolished and all of its functions, powers and duties, except as may be inconsistent with the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.), are hereby transferred to and vested in the State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey established hereunder. The State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey established hereunder and its functions, powers and duties shall in all respects be subject to the provisions of sections 30, 32, 33, 35, 37, 39 and 40 of P.L.1948, c.439 (C.52:17B-30, 52:17B-32, 52:17B-33, 52:17B-35, 52:17B-37, 52:17B-39 and 52:17B-40). L.1952,c.340,s.4; amended 1960, c.184, s.3; 2003. c.10; 2025, c.52, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-37 Oath of members of board; president and secretary; rules and regulations

Each member of the board, before entering upon his duties and within thirty days after receiving notice of his appointment, shall take and subscribe an oath of office such as is provided for other State officials. Upon the failure of a member of the board to take the oath of office as provided herein, a vacancy in the membership of the board shall then exist which shall be filled by the Governor as provided in section four. The board shall annually select from its membership a president and secretary, who shall serve until their successors shall be elected and qualified. The board is authorized and empowered to adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with this act, as it may deem expedient for the transaction of its business and for the purpose of efficiently enforcing the provisions of this act. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1100, s. 6.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-38 Rules and regulations.

7. The board is authorized and empowered to adopt such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with this entire act or any amendment or supplement which may hereafter be adopted, as shall be reasonably proper and advisable for the promotion or improvement of the standards of service, protection, and practice to be followed in the practice of mortuary science, embalming, natural organic reduction, and funeral directing by individuals, corporations, partnerships, and associations in the State of New Jersey and for and in the interest, preservation, and improvement of the public health, morals, safety, and welfare. In addition to the powers otherwise herein granted to the board, the board is specifically empowered to adopt rules and regulations concerning the following: (a) the manner in which a mortuary or funeral establishment is conducted, (b) establish minimum requirements for a preparation room and as to the manner in which it shall be maintained, (c) issuance of lists of licensees, (d) interns, apprentices, and preceptors, (e) unethical or unprofessional conduct, (f) practice of mortuary science or mortuary and embalming science by individuals, corporations, partnerships, and associations, and (g) establish minimum requirements for a natural organic reduction facility and as to the manner in which it shall be maintained and the minimum requirements for the process for conducting natural organic reduction. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1100, s. 7. Amended by L.1960, c. 184, p. 763, s. 4; 2025, c.52, s.4; 2025, c.143, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-39 Seal

The board shall adopt a seal, of which the secretary shall have the care and custody, and all courts of this State shall take judicial notice of such seal. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1101, s. 8.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-40 President's duties

The president of the board shall preside at all meetings and he shall exercise and perform all duties and functions incidental to the office of president of the board. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1101, s. 9.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-41 Secretary's duties; compensation; bond.

10. The secretary shall keep a record of all proceedings of the board and shall exercise and perform all duties and functions incidental to his office and such other duties and functions as may be assigned by the board. He shall receive such compensation for his services, within the limits of available appropriations therefor, and shall give such bond for the faithful performance of his duties as the board may, with the approval of the Attorney General, determine. The secretary of the board shall keep a record in which shall be registered the name and professional address of every person to whom licenses have been granted in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) or in accordance with the provisions of prior laws of this State, the number and date of such license and the date of each renewal thereof. The secretary shall, whenever requested so to do, certify over the seal of the board, whether the records kept by the board show or fail to show a license to carry on the practice of mortuary science or mortuary and embalming science, or the issuance of any renewal of any such licenses or whether any person has or has not a license in full force and effect. The fee for any such certificate shall be one dollar ($1.00). Any such certificate, whether made by the secretary upon such request or for use in proceedings before the board or in which the board may be a party, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated. In the month of January of each and every year the secretary of said board shall supply to each licensed practitioner of mortuary science and to each licensed practitioner of mortuary and embalming science a list of all practitioners holding a license under P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.), or under prior laws of this State, giving the names of such persons, their professional address and the number and nature of their licenses. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1101, s. 10; amended 2025, c.52, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-43 Assistants and employees of board; executive secretary.

12. The board may, subject to the approval of the Attorney General, appoint, employ or remove such assistants and employees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340, (C.45:7-32 et seq.). The board may, subject to the approval of the Attorney General, appoint and employ an executive secretary who shall serve without term but who may be removed from office by the Attorney General, for cause, upon notice and opportunity to be heard at a public hearing. The duties of the executive secretary shall be determined by the board and the board shall fix the compensation of its executive secretary, assistants and employees, subject to the approval of the Attorney General, within the limits of available appropriations therefor. Such executive secretary shall not be subject to the provisions of Title 11 of the Revised Statutes of this State. No such executive secretary, employee or assistant shall engage in the practice of mortuary science or mortuary and embalming science nor shall he in any way be connected with the work of a practitioner of mortuary science or mortuary and embalming science. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1102, s. 12. Amended by L.1960, c. 184, p. 764, s. 5; L.1967, c. 245, s. 3, eff. Dec. 12, 1967; 2025, c.52, s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-45 Compensation; expenses

The members of the board shall receive twenty-five dollars per diem for time spent in discharge of their duties and in addition shall be entitled to have and receive their necessary traveling expenses. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1103, s. 14.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-46 Fees, penalties and other moneys; disposition

All fines, fees, penalties and other moneys derived from the operation of this act, or payable pursuant to the provisions of this act or any other law to the board shall be collected by the secretary of the board and shall be paid into the State treasury, through the Attorney-General. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1103, s. 15.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-47 License required.

16. No person shall engage in the practice of mortuary science or mortuary and embalming science unless he shall have been duly licensed so to do, by the board, under the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340, (C.45:7-32 et seq.) or under the provisions of any prior law of this State and unless such license is unrevoked and in full force and effect; provided, that this shall not apply to a registered intern working under the direct supervision of a practitioner of mortuary science or of mortuary and embalming science. No person licensed as a practitioner of mortuary science shall engage in the practice of embalming. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1103, s. 16; amended 2025, c.52, s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-48 Only a single license to be issued to any applicant.

17. The board shall grant a license as a practitioner of mortuary science or of mortuary and embalming science to an applicant, and a person shall hold a license as a practitioner of mortuary science or of mortuary and embalming science issued under the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) before being permitted to practice mortuary science or mortuary and embalming science in this State. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1103, s. 17. Amended by L.1960, c. 184, p. 764, s. 6; 2025, c.52, s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-49 Examination; qualifications of applicants; training and experience.

18. a. Every person desiring to enter into the practice of mortuary science or the practice of mortuary and embalming science, before being licensed by the board: (1) (a) in the case of an applicant for licensure as a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science, shall have passed an examination to be developed and administered by the board or an entity other than the board to determine the qualifications and fitness of the applicant. Such examination, the scope, character and content of which shall be determined by the board, shall be the same for all applicants at each examination, and shall include: anatomy; physiology; pathology; chemistry; disinfection; hygiene; sanitary science; microbiology; New Jersey law and rules governing the care, preservation, embalming, transportation, and burial, cremation or other disposal of dead human bodies; the applicable laws and rules governing vital statistics, preparation and transportation for burial, cremation or other disposal of dead human bodies, including those dead as a result of contagious and infectious diseases; the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) and of the rules and regulations adopted by the board; professional ethics; and such other subjects as the board may determine, by rule or regulation, to be necessary, proper or reasonably calculated to establish the qualifications and fitness of the applicant; or (b) in the case of an applicant for licensure as a practitioner of mortuary science, shall have passed an examination to be developed and administered by the board or an entity other than the board to determine the qualifications and fitness of the applicant. Such examination, the scope, character and content of which shall be determined by the board, shall be the same for all applicants at each examination, and shall include: New Jersey law and rules governing the burial, cremation or other disposal and care of dead human bodies; the applicable laws and rules governing vital statistics, preparation, and transportation for burial, cremation, or other disposal of dead human bodies, including those dead as a result of contagious and infectious diseases; the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) and the rules and regulations adopted by the board; professional ethics; and such other subjects as determined by the board, by rule or regulation, to be necessary, proper, or reasonably calculated to establish the qualifications and fitness of the applicant, but shall not include embalming. Nothing in P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto shall require a candidate for licensure to complete the National Board Exam or any successor examination thereof, administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. (c) An examination conducted by an entity other than the board shall be preapproved by the board and conducted by a recognized testing service to provide testing and grading in the field of funeral service arts, funeral service science, and the law portion of the examination as enumerated above. Such examinations shall be administered electronically or in writing and shall be held at least once in each year, and oftener if the board shall so determine by rule or regulation, at such times and places as may be fixed by the board. For an applicant for licensure as a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science, in addition to the examination herein provided for, the examination of each applicant shall include, wherever possible, an actual demonstration on a cadaver of the embalming proficiency and qualifications of the applicant. (2) Shall have completed two years of practical training and experience as a registered intern in regular, steady, bona fide full-time service of a grade and character satisfactory to the board, in the State of New Jersey, with a person duly licensed as a practitioner of mortuary science or a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science under P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) and whose annual case volume shall be equal to at least 25 cases, and in the case of an applicant for licensure to be a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science, shall have assisted in embalming at least 50 bodies; and shall have satisfactorily completed a minimum of two academic years of instruction in a college or university approved by the State Department of Education and one year of instruction in a program of funeral service education approved by the State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey; except that a person who has satisfactorily completed three academic years of instruction in such a college or university and one year of instruction in such an approved program of funeral service education need only have completed one year of practical training and experience as a registered intern. Not more than one intern shall be registered at one time in one establishment, except that two interns may be permitted if there are two or more licensees in the same establishment. The board is authorized and empowered to prescribe rules and regulations establishing minimum courses of college or university instruction; to insure that each intern receives satisfactory and efficient training and experience which may provide for the periods that may be credited toward the required year of training and experience, the nature, character and extent of the services to be performed by the intern, for such practical and actual experience in mortuary science or in mortuary and embalming science and assisting in the same as it shall determine and for the making of such reports by the intern and by the licensee with whom the intern is registered as may be advisable and for such other qualifications in the applicant as may be reasonably calculated to insure and protect the public health, morals, safety and welfare; (3) Shall have, upon commencing the period of training and experience as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, registered as an intern with the board, upon a form to be provided by the board, and has paid to the board a registration fee of $50.00, and has received from the board a certificate as a registered intern; and (4) Shall have passed his or her 18th birthday. b. An applicant who meets the requirements of section 19 of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-50) shall be admitted to the examinations prescribed in paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section but a license to enter into the practice of mortuary science or the practice of mortuary and embalming science shall not be issued or granted to any such applicant by the board unless and until such applicant has completed the period of practical training and experience as a registered intern required by paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section. c. Any individual licensed as a practitioner of mortuary science prior to the enactment of P.L.2025, c.52 (C.45:7-32.1 et al.) shall be subject to the licensing requirements established pursuant to P.L.2025, c.52 (C.45:7-32.1 et al.) and shall be issued a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science license in subsequent renewals. L.1952, c.340, s.18; amended 1960, c.184, s.7; 2019, c.130; 2025, c.52, s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-49.1 Issuance of license to out-of-State practitioners of mortuary science; conditions.

1. After successful completion of the law portion of the examination conducted by the board pursuant to section 18 of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-49), and upon payment to the board of a fee and the submission of a written application on forms provided by it, the board may issue, at its discretion, a practitioner of mortuary science license or a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science license to a person who holds a valid license or certification issued by another state or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia and who has met education and experience requirements substantially equivalent to the requirements of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.), and who has been engaged in the practice of mortuary science or mortuary and embalming science in that state, possession or district with a valid license or certification for two years immediately prior to application; except that the board may issue, at its discretion, a practitioner of mortuary science license or a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science license to an applicant who does not meet the practical training and experience requirements of paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 18 of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-49) but otherwise meets the requirements specified in this section if the applicant has been engaged in the practice of mortuary science or the practice of mortuary and embalming science for not less than five years immediately prior to application. L.1999,c.404,s.1; amended 2001, c.83; 2025, c.52, s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-50 Examination fees; evidence of qualifications.

19. No person shall be examined by the board except upon payment of a fee for the initial examination and another fee for each re-examination. Each applicant, before being admitted to an examination, shall first submit to the board: (1) evidence verified by oath and satisfactory to the board that: (a) He is a citizen of the United States for a period of at least six months prior to the date of the examination; (b) He is of good moral character and at least 18 years of age; (2) a certificate from the Commissioner of Education of this State showing that prior to licensure and upon completion of an approved program of funeral service education, he had obtained an academic education consisting of a four years' course of study in an approved public or private high school or the equivalent thereof, he has (a) satisfactorily completed a minimum of two years of academic instruction in a college or university approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, satisfactorily completed a minimum of one year of academic instruction in a program of funeral service education approved by the State Board of Mortuary Science; or (b) satisfactorily completed a minimum of three years of academic instruction in such a college or university, satisfactorily completed a minimum of one year of academic instruction in such a program of funeral service education; and (3) a certificate from a licensed practitioner of mortuary science or a licensed practitioner of mortuary and embalming science, as appropriate, in the State of New Jersey that he has served a one-year or two-year period of practical training as a registered intern under such practitioner of mortuary science or licensed practitioner of mortuary and embalming science, whichever is applicable; such period of practical training as a registered intern may be served either concurrently with the college or university courses, during summer vacations, or subsequent to the completion of the college or academic course, at the option of the registrant. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1106, s. 19. Amended by L.1960, c. 184, p. 767, s. 8; 2025, c.52, s.11.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-51 Additional examinations

If an applicant fails to pass the examination, he may be reexamined at the next or any subsequent regular examination. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1106, s. 20. Amended by L.1960, c. 184, p. 768, s. 9; L.1973, c. 236, s. 1, eff. Oct. 24, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-53 Licenses; signing by board members; expiration

All licenses and renewals thereof issued pursuant to the provisions of this act shall be signed by the members of the board and shall have the seal of the board affixed thereto, and shall expire and terminate on the first day of September next following the date of their issue, unless sooner revoked and cancelled. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1108, s. 22.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-54 Prior laws, licenses issued under; renewal

Any person holding a license or licenses under this act or under any prior law of this State shall have the same renewed upon making and filing with the board an application therefor upon forms provided by the board and upon payment of a renewal fee of $15.00; provided, that any person neglecting or failing to have his license renewed, as above, shall have the same renewed by making application therefor and upon payment of a revival fee of $75.00 in addition to the renewal fee of $15.00. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1108, s. 23. Amended by L.1960, c. 184, p. 769, s. 10; L.1967, c. 245, s. 1, eff. Dec. 12, 1967; L.1971, c. 289, s. 1, eff. Aug. 19, 1971.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-55 Certificate of registration for each mortuary operated, maintained or used; fee

24. Every individual, partnership, or corporation which operates or maintains within this State a mortuary or natural organic reduction facility, or which in the usual and regular course of his or its practice makes use of a mortuary or natural organic reduction facility owned, operated, or maintained by another shall annually apply to the board for a certificate of registration for each mortuary and natural organic reduction facility operated, maintained, or used by the applicant and shall report under oath any facts requested by the board and such individual, partnership, or corporation shall pay an annual registration fee of $25.00 for each such mortuary or natural organic reduction facility. Upon verification of the statements thus reported and the receipt of the requisite fee, the board shall issue a certificate of registration which shall bear the date of January 1 for the year of issue and shall expire on December 31 of such year. No mortuary or natural organic reduction facility shall be operated, maintained, or used at any location by any person, firm or corporation at any location not specified in a certificate of registration issued under this section. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1108, s. 24. Amended by L.1967, c. 245, s. 2, eff. Dec. 12, 1967; 2025, c.143, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-56 Persons entitled to practice under prior laws

Any person now entitled to practice embalming or funeral directing or both under the provisions of any prior law of the State of New Jersey shall continue to be entitled to practice or engage in the same notwithstanding the enactment of this act, and the validity of any license, or renewals thereof, to practice embalming or funeral directing, or both, under any such prior law, shall not be affected by the enactment of this act, but all such persons shall in all other respects be subject to the provisions of this act. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1109, s. 25.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-59 Death of licensee.

28. The license of any practitioner of mortuary science or practitioner of mortuary and embalming science shall terminate upon his decease. L.1952, c. 340, p. 110, s. 28. Amended by L.1960, c. 184, p. 769, s. 11; 2025, c.52, s.12.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-61 Operating and maintaining mortuary; conditions.

30. No person shall operate, maintain or use a mortuary within this State unless: (a) He, they or it shall annually register with the board in accordance with the provisions of section 24 of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-55); (b) The certificate of registration issued by the board shall be conspicuously displayed within the establishment; (c) The licenses of the individual owner, of all partners, or of the manager of the establishment in all cases where the establishment is not managed by a licensed individual owner or licensed partners, shall be conspicuously displayed within the establishment; (d) It shall be under the immediate and personal supervision, direction, management, and control of a person duly licensed as a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science under the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) or of any prior law of this State, or of a person duly licensed as a practitioner of mortuary science under the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:70-32 et seq.) or P.L.2025, c.52 (C.45:7-32.1 et al.); and all funeral directing shall be under the immediate and personal supervision, direction, management, and control of a person duly licensed as a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science, under the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) or of any prior law of this State, or of a person duly licensed as a practitioner of mortuary science under the provisions of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.); (e) Its construction, maintenance and operation shall conform to the rules and regulations of the board promulgated to safeguard and promote the public health, safety, morals and welfare. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1111, s. 30; amended 2025, c.52, s.13.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-61.1 Natural organic reduction facility, requirements.

4. No person shall operate, maintain, or use a natural organic reduction facility within this State unless: a. the individual, partnership, or corporation annually registered with the board in accordance with the provisions of section 24 of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-55) and after inspection and approval by the Department of Environmental Protection of the facility prior to its opening, which shall include a review of compliance with paragraph (2) of subsection e. of this section; b. the certificate of registration issued by the board shall be conspicuously displayed within the natural organic reduction facility; c. the license of the natural organic reduction operator of the natural organic reduction facility shall be conspicuously displayed within the facility; d. the facility shall be under the immediate and personal supervision, direction, management, and control of a person duly licensed as a practitioner of mortuary science, under the provisions of P.L.1952, c. 340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.), or of a person duly licensed as a funeral director under the provisions of P.L.1952, c. 340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) or of any prior law of this State; and all natural organic reduction shall be under the immediate and personal supervision, direction, management, and control of a person duly licensed as a practitioner of mortuary science, under the provisions of P.L.1952, c. 340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.), or of a person duly licensed as a funeral director under the provisions of P.L.1952, c. 340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) or of any prior law of this State; and e. the construction, maintenance, and operation of the facility shall conform to the rules and regulations of: (1) the board promulgated to safeguard and promote public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and (2) the Department of Environmental Protection with regards to the appropriate setback distance of sites for natural organic reduction remains from any drinking water well, which shall be at least 200 days' time of travel or 500 feet from the well. L.2025, c.143, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-63 Permission to inject fluid into body required, when; arsenical or other poisonous agents

No person shall inject any fluid or substance into any cavity or artery of the body of any person who has come to a sudden, violent or untimely death, or of any person found dead, the manner of whose death is not known, until permission is obtained from the county medical examiner of the county in which the dead body lies. No person shall employ, for the purpose of the practice of mortuary science, funeral directing or embalming, any arsenical or other poisonous agent which may by its presence in the viscera prevent the detection of criminal usage of the poisonous agent before the death of the individual occurred; but this provision shall not prohibit the use by any association incorporated under article 4 of chapter 9 of Title 45 of the Revised Statutes, of any substance for the preservation of dead bodies which have legally come into its possession. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1113, s. 32. Amended by L.1971, c. 2, s. 18, eff. Jan. 15, 1971.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-64 Embalming compounds

The sale or use for embalming purposes within the State of New Jersey of any fluid containing arsenic, zinc, mercury, copper, lead, silver, antimony, chloral, or cyanogen, or any compound containing any of said substances, or any poisonous alkaloid is prohibited. The board shall have power, by rules and regulations, to provide for appropriate tests to be made of all brands of embalming compounds sold or used within this State or intended for sale or use within this State, and shall disapprove for such sale or use any such compounds that, upon such tests, are determined to contain any substance herein prohibited. The board shall have power to publish a list of such compounds that, upon such tests, are determined to comply with the provisions of this section. Nothing in this section contained shall prohibit the use by any association incorporated under article four of chapter nine of Title 45 of the Revised Statutes, of any substance for the preservation of dead bodies which have legally come into its possession. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1113, s. 33.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-65 Contagious diseases; report to local health officer.

34. Every practitioner of mortuary science or practitioner of mortuary and embalming science shall report to the local health officer all contagious cases in which he may be called, within twelve hours after death or as soon as may be after being called. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1114, s. 34; amended 2025, c.52, s.14.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-65.1 Service of food or beverages on mortuary premises.

16. a. No mortuary within this State shall prepare on or about the mortuary premises any food in conjunction with any funeral or in conjunction with any service offered or provided for the preparation and disposal of dead human bodies. b. A mortuary may provide or distribute, or permit persons attending a funeral or other service, or making funeral arrangements, to distribute and consume food and beverages on or about the mortuary premises, provided the mortuary complies with applicable State and local health and sanitation requirements and: (1) any beverages served are nonalcoholic; and (2) food and beverages are not stored, prepared, distributed, or consumed in areas in which dead human bodies are stored or prepared. L.1960, c.184, s.16; amended 2019, c.220.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-65.2 Branch mortuaries.

17. No person shall operate, maintain, or use a branch mortuary within this State unless it is under the actual personal supervision, direction, management and actual control of a person who is duly licensed as a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science. L.1960, c. 184, p. 772, s. 17; amended 2025, c.52, s.15.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-65.3 Solicitation forbidden.

18. a. No person, firm or corporation, or solicitors, agents, canvassers, employees or other persons acting on behalf of that person, firm or corporation, for the purpose of selling or contracting to sell or provide any service or services commonly furnished or performed by a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or of mortuary science, including, but not limited to, prepaid funeral agreements and the making of at need or preneed funeral arrangements, shall: (1) Directly or indirectly solicit persons in hospitals, rest homes, nursing homes or similar health care facilities by telephone or in person without first having been specifically requested to do so by that person; (2) Directly or indirectly employ any agent, employee, assistant, independent contractor or other person to solicit persons in hospitals, rest homes, nursing homes or similar health care facilities by telephone or in person without first having been specifically requested to do so by that person; (3) Solicit relatives of persons whose death is apparently pending or whose death has recently occurred for the purpose of providing any of those services for that person; (4) Solicit, accept, offer to pay or pay any commission, bonus or rebate in consideration of recommending or causing any person to use the services of a particular practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or a practitioner of mortuary science, or the services of a particular crematory, mausoleum or cemetery; or (5) Solicit persons at their residences in person or by telephone unless that solicitation is in response to a previous request for or expression of interest in services of a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or practitioner of mortuary science made by the person solicited or by a member of that person's family. b. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the right of a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or practitioner of mortuary science or an agent or employee of the practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or practitioner of mortuary science, to communicate, by direct mail or in any other way not specifically prohibited by this section, with persons or provide them with information regarding the services of the practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or practitioner of mortuary science, or to solicit the business of any person responding to that communication and explicitly requesting further information by personal visit or telephone, or otherwise initiating further discussion of those services, or to provide services or information to persons in connection with services previously rendered. c. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit general advertising by a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or practitioner of mortuary science. d. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the payment of commissions, bonuses or other compensation to a licensed cemetery salesman for the sale of cemetery goods or services. e. As used in this section, "at need funeral arrangements," "preneed funeral arrangements" and "prepaid funeral agreement" shall have the same meaning as they are defined in section 1 of P.L.1993, c.147 (C.45:7-82). L.1960,c.184,s.18; amended 1993,c.147,s.15; 2025, c.52, s.16.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-65.4 Placement of remains in coffin, casket or other container of more than one deceased person; exception.

1. It shall be unlawful for a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or practitioner of mortuary science to place the remains of more than one deceased person or stillborn infant in a coffin, casket, or other container for the purpose of interment, unless other written directions have been given by the decedent or a court of competent jurisdiction, or the relative or relatives of the decedent in the following order: (1) Surviving spouse; (2) A majority of surviving children of the decedent or the surviving child if one; (3) The surviving parent or parents of the decedent; (4) A majority of the brothers and sisters of the decedent if no child or parent is living; or (5) Other next of kin according to the degree of consanguinity. L.1979, c. 201, s. 1, eff. Sept. 20, 1979; amended 2025, c.52, s.17.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-65.5 Violations; penalty

Any person who violates this act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall remain liable for any other penalties which may be imposed by the board, where applicable. L.1979, c. 201, s. 2, eff. Sept. 20, 1979.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-65.6 Natural organic reduction, list of cemeteries to receive remains.

5. a. At the time arrangements for disposition are made, a funeral director shall inform a customer, in writing, that a cemetery on the list maintained by the New Jersey Cemetery Board pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection b. of this section is an option for the placement of remains of the deceased after natural organic reduction has been performed. b. The New Jersey Cemetery Board shall: (1) notify the State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey of cemeteries that express interest in and are in compliance with New Jersey Cemetery Board rules and regulations to receive remains of the deceased after natural organic reduction has been performed; and (2) maintain a list of cemeteries that may receive remains of the deceased pursuant to subsection a. of this section. L.2025, c.143, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-72.1 Continuing education requirements.

1. The State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey shall require each person licensed to practice mortuary science or mortuary and embalming science, as a condition for biennial license renewal pursuant to section 23 of P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-54), to complete any continuing education requirements imposed by the board pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.192 (C.45:7-72.2). L.1995,c.192,s.1; amended 2025, c.52, s.18.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-72.2 Regulation of continuing education.

2. a. The board shall implement a program of continuing education as a condition of license renewal for licensees under its jurisdiction and may, in its discretion, waive all or part of the continuing education requirement for any biennial licensing period. The board shall establish standards for continuing education, including the subject matter and content of courses of study as appropriate for persons licensed as practitioners of mortuary and embalming science and persons licensed as practitioners of mortuary science, the selection of instructors, and the number and type of continuing education credits required of a licensee as a condition for biennial license renewal. b. The board may establish a system for reviewing and approving private sponsors of continuing education courses, seminars or programs which may be utilized to provide continuing education to licensees in satisfaction of the requirements imposed by P.L.1995, c.192 (C.45:72.1 et seq.). L.1995,c.192,s.2; amended 2025, c.52, s.19.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-73 Report of names of licensees to State Department of Health; identification cards.

42. The board shall report to the State Department of Health the name and residence of every person to whom it may issue a license. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1117, s. 42. Amended by L.1960, c. 184, p. 771, s. 15; 2025, c.52, s.20.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-73.1 Agreements with other states for purpose of removing, transporting and burying bodies.

43. The board may, in its discretion, enter into an agreement with the corresponding licensing authority of any other State to permit a person duly registered and licensed as a practitioner of mortuary science or as a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science in either State to enter into the other State for the purpose of removing, transporting and burying dead human bodies and directing funerals in the same manner as if he were registered under the laws of such other State, except that such person shall not maintain an establishment, advertise or hold himself out, directly or through any agent or agency or otherwise, as a practitioner of mortuary science or a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science other than in the State in which he is registered and licensed. L.1967, c. 245, s. 4; amended 2025, c.52, s.21.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-74 Rules and regulations; distribution; statements on licenses

The rules and regulations adopted by the board pursuant to this act shall be printed and copies thereof shall be sent by the board to any person licensed under this act or under any prior law, who makes application therefor, and, upon payment of a fee of one dollar ($1.00) to any other person who makes application therefor, and shall also be open for inspection at the office of the board. Every license and renewal granted under this act shall contain a statement to the effect that the practice licensed must be conducted in accordance with the law and with the rules and regulations of the board adopted in pursuance thereto, and that a copy of such rules and regulations may be obtained upon request at the office of the board. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1118, s. 43.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-79 Partial invalidity

In the event that any section, paragraph, clause, sentence or part of this act shall for any reason be adjudged to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not impair the remainder thereof, but shall be confined strictly in its operation to the particular clause, section, paragraph or part thereof so held to be invalid. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1119, s. 48.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-80 Repeal

All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this act are, to the extent of such inconsistency, hereby repealed. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1119, s. 49.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-81 Effective date

This act shall take effect July first, one thousand nine hundred and fifty-two. L.1952, c. 340, p. 1119, s. 50.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-82 Definitions used in C.45:7-32 et seq., C.45:7-65.3 and C.45:7-82 et al.

1. As used in this act, in P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) and in section 18 of P.L.1960, c.184 (C.45:7-65.3): "Assigned funeral insurance policy" means any insurance policy or annuity contract that is not a newly issued funeral insurance policy, but that, at the time an assignment was made of some or all of its proceeds, was intended to provide funds to the provider, whether directly or indirectly, at the time of the insured's death in connection with a prepaid funeral agreement. "At need funeral arrangements" means funeral arrangements made with the survivors or personal representative of a person who has already died for that person's funeral. "Board" means the State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey. "Credit life insurance" means insurance on the life of a debtor pursuant to or in connection with a specific loan or other credit transaction. "Deliver" or "delivery" means the conveyance of actual control and possession of prepaid funeral goods that have been permanently relinquished by a provider, or other person, firm or corporation, or an agent thereof, to the purchaser or person paying the moneys, or personal representative of the intended funeral recipient. Delivery has not been made if the provider, or other person, firm or corporation, or an agent thereof: (1) Arranges or induces the purchaser or person paying the moneys to arrange for the storage or warehousing of prepaid funeral goods ordered pursuant to a prepaid funeral agreement, with or without evidence that legal title has passed; or (2) Acquires or reacquires actual or constructive possession or control of prepaid funeral goods after their initial delivery to the purchaser or person paying the moneys or personal representative of the intended funeral recipient. This definition of delivery shall apply to this term as used in this act, notwithstanding the provisions set forth in the Uniform Commercial Code, Title 12A of the New Jersey Statutes. "Funeral arrangements" means funeral and burial plans made through a mortuary, including the selection of plans for the furnishing of funeral goods and services pursuant to a completed plan of bodily disposition and the act of offering the opportunity to purchase or to enroll in a prepaid funeral agreement by the mortuary. "Funeral insurance policy" means any newly issued funeral insurance policy or assigned funeral insurance policy. "Funeral trust" means a commingled or non-commingled account held in a pooled trust or P.O.D. account, established in accordance with P.L.1957, c.182 (C.2A:102-13 et seq.) or P.L.1985, c.147 (C.3B:11-16 et al.), which is intended as the depository for cash payments connected with a prepaid funeral agreement. "Guaranteed price agreement" means a prepaid funeral agreement under which, in exchange for the proceeds of a funeral trust or funeral insurance policy, the provider agrees to provide the stated goods and services in the future, regardless of whether or not the retail value of those goods and services exceeds the funds available from the funeral trust or funeral insurance policy at the time of death of the intended funeral recipient. "Intended funeral recipient" means the person named in a prepaid funeral agreement for whose bodily disposition the prepaid funeral agreement is intended to provide. The intended funeral recipient may or may not be the purchaser. "Newly issued funeral insurance policy" means any insurance policy or annuity contract that, at the time of issue, was intended to provide, or was explicitly marketed for the purpose of providing, funds to the provider, whether directly or indirectly, at the time of the insured's death in connection with a prepaid funeral agreement. "Non-guaranteed price agreement" means a prepaid funeral agreement funded with a funeral trust or funeral insurance policy, the proceeds of which the provider will apply to the current retail value of the prepaid funeral goods and services previously selected at the time of death of the intended funeral recipient, but which agreement shall not bind the provider to provide the goods and services if the value thereof exceeds the funds available at the time of death of the intended funeral recipient. "Payable on death account" or "P.O.D. account" means an account payable, on request to the purchaser or intended funeral recipient of a prepaid funeral agreement during the lifetime of the intended funeral recipient and on his death, to a provider of funeral goods and services. "Pooled trust" means a pooled trust account established pursuant to P.L.1985, c.147 (C.3B:11-16 et al.). "Preneed funeral arrangements" means funeral arrangements made with an intended funeral recipient or his guardian, agent or next of kin, for the funeral of the intended funeral recipient. "Prepaid funeral agreement" means a written agreement and all documents related thereto made by a purchaser with a provider prior to the death of the intended funeral recipient, with which there is connected a provisional means of paying for preneed funeral arrangements upon the death of the intended funeral recipient by the use of a funeral trust or funeral insurance policy, made payable to a provider and in return for which the provider promises to furnish, make available or provide the prepaid funeral goods or services, or both, specified in the agreement, the delivery of which occurs after the death of the intended funeral recipient. "Prepaid funeral goods" means personal property typically sold or provided in connection with a funeral, or the final disposition of human remains, including, but not limited to, caskets or other primary containers, cremation or transportation containers, outer burial containers, vaults, as defined in N.J.S.8A:1-2, memorials as defined in N.J.S.8A:1-2, funeral clothing or accessories, monuments, cremation urns, and similar funeral or burial items, which goods are purchased in advance of need and which will not be delivered until the death of the intended funeral recipient named in a prepaid funeral agreement. Prepaid funeral goods shall not mean the sale of interment spaces and related personal property offered or sold by a cemetery company as provided for in N.J.S.8A:1-1 et seq. "Prepaid funeral services" means those services typically provided in connection with a funeral, or the final disposition of human remains, including, but not limited to, funeral directing services, embalming services, care of human remains, preparation of human remains for final disposition, transportation of human remains, use of facilities or equipment for viewing human remains, visitation, memorial services or services which are used in connection with a funeral or the disposition of human remains, coordinating or conducting funeral rites or ceremonies and similar funeral or burial services, including limousine services provided in connection therewith, which services are purchased in advance of need and which will not be provided or delivered until the death of the intended funeral recipient named in a prepaid funeral agreement. Prepaid funeral services shall not mean the sale of services incidental to the provision of interment spaces or any related personal services offered or sold by a cemetery company as provided for in N.J.S.8A:1-1 et seq. "Provider" means a person, firm or corporation duly licensed and registered pursuant to the "Mortuary Science Act," P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) to engage in the business and practice of funeral directing or mortuary science, or an individual serving as an agent thereof and so licensed: (1) Operating a duly registered mortuary in accordance with P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) and the regulations promulgated thereunder; (2) Having his or its business and practice based within the physical confines of the registered mortuary; and (3) Engaging in the practice of making preneed funeral arrangements, including, but not limited to, offering the opportunity to purchase or enroll in prepaid funeral agreements. "Purchaser" means the person named in a prepaid funeral agreement who purchases the prepaid funeral goods and services to be provided thereunder. The purchaser may or may not be the intended funeral recipient. If the purchaser is different than the intended funeral recipient, it is understood that the relationship of the purchaser to the intended funeral recipient includes a means to provide administrative control over the agreement on behalf of the intended funeral recipient. "Retail installment contract" means an agreement to pay the purchase price of goods or services in two or more installments over a period of time. "Statement of funeral goods and services" means the itemized written statement required to be given to each person making funeral arrangements in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission (16 C.F.R. 453.2) and the board (N.J.A.C.13:36-9.8). L.1993,c.147,s.1; amended 1994,c.163,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-83 Requirements for seller of certain funeral arrangements, agreements

2. a. No person, firm or corporation shall sell, or offer to sell, or make or offer to make at need funeral arrangements, preneed funeral arrangements or prepaid funeral agreements, unless that person, firm or corporation: (1) is duly licensed and registered pursuant to the "Mortuary Science Act," P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.), to engage in the business and practice of funeral directing or mortuary science; and (2) has his or its business and practice based within the physical confines of the registered mortuary. b. No person, firm or corporation, shall engage in the business and practice of funeral directing or mortuary science at any permanent facility that is not a registered mortuary. c. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this section shall not be construed to prohibit an otherwise qualified person, firm or corporation from acting as a provider operating under a trade name or other assumed name or through a subsidiary of a corporation duly licensed and registered pursuant to P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) to engage in the business and practice of funeral directing or mortuary science. L.1993,c.147,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-84 Requirements for provider of certain funeral arrangements, agreements

3. No provider shall enter into, or offer to enter into, a prepaid funeral agreement, or provide or offer to provide a funeral trust or funeral insurance policy in connection therewith, unless: a. At the same time he makes preneed funeral arrangements for the intended funeral recipient on a statement of funeral goods and services; b. He meets all requirements with respect to the making of at need funeral arrangements as otherwise required by law; c. The insurance policy or annuity contract to be provided or offered as a newly issued funeral insurance policy complies with the provisions of section 24 of P.L.1993, c.147 (C.17B:17-5.1); d. If a newly issued funeral insurance policy is provided or offered, he is duly licensed as an insurance producer pursuant to P.L.1987, c.293 (C.17:22A-1 et seq.). L.1993,c.147,s.3; amended 1994,c.163,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-85 Requirements for prepaid funeral agreements.

4. Every prepaid funeral agreement executed in this State shall: a. Be signed by the provider, and the purchaser or the intended funeral recipient or the intended funeral recipient's guardian, agent or next of kin. b. Include at least the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the mortuary to be utilized; (2) the name of the individual licensee acting as or on behalf of the provider and the license number of that individual; (3) the purchaser's name and address; (4) the name of the intended funeral recipient; (5) whether the agreement is a guaranteed price agreement or non-guaranteed price agreement, which term, as applicable, shall be defined in the agreement in accordance with section 1 of this act; (6) how the agreement is to be funded; and (7) a statement of funeral goods and services or, if not included as part of the agreement, that a statement of funeral goods and services shall be provided. c. Provide that all funeral arrangements are revocable, and that all funeral funding arrangements are severable from those funeral arrangements by the purchaser if alive, and if not, then by the intended funeral recipient, where they are different persons. Upon the death of both the purchaser and the intended funeral recipient, the intended funeral recipient's next of kin, in the order provided in N.J.S.8A:5-18, shall have the right to revoke the funeral arrangements and to sever the funeral funding arrangements from the funeral arrangements. Notwithstanding the above, a prepaid funeral agreement may provide that the funeral trust shall be irrevocable during the lifetime of the intended funeral recipient pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1991, c.502 (C.2A:102-16.1) or section 1 of P.L.1999, c.193 (C.2A:102-19). In those instances where a revocable prepaid funeral agreement is revoked, the moneys used to fund the agreement shall be paid to the purchaser, if alive, and if not, then to the personal representative or estate of the deceased purchaser if the agreement is funded through a trust or, if the agreement is funded through a funeral insurance policy, to the named beneficiaries on the insurance policy or annuity. d. Provide that, unless otherwise specified therein, a prepaid funeral agreement anticipates the provision of prepaid funeral goods and services in the area served by the provider. The agreement shall further provide that, if the intended funeral recipient's place of death is in a location other than that served by the provider, alternative funeral arrangements will be necessary. e. Provide for the provider's substitution of any goods or services to be furnished or rendered thereunder for goods of equal quality, value and workmanship or services of equal quality and value in the event of the unavailability of any goods or services set forth in the agreement. Any changes in the price of the agreement resulting from such substitution of goods or services shall be reflected in the statement of funeral goods and services rendered. f. Provide that, in the case of an agreement funded through a funeral trust, if the purchaser predeceases the intended funeral recipient where they are different persons, then the intended funeral recipient shall automatically assume the legal right to administer the funeral trust as purchaser, including the right to withdraw any and all funds held in the funeral trust, along with all other rights formerly held by the purchaser. g. Provide that, upon the death of the intended funeral recipient, the provider shall calculate the current retail prices of the preneed funeral arrangements, and: (1) in the case of a non-guaranteed prepaid funeral agreement, if there are insufficient funds to pay for the current retail prices of the prepaid funeral goods and services requested, the provider shall consult with the appropriate representative for the supplementation of the funds or the modification of the funeral arrangements set forth in the agreement prior to performance under the agreement. (2) in the case of an agreement funded through a funeral trust, whether a guaranteed or non-guaranteed price agreement, if the provider determines that the funds or proceeds available exceed the current retail prices of the prepaid funeral goods and services to be provided, the surplus funds shall be paid to the purchaser, if alive, and if not, then to the personal representative of the estate of the deceased. (3) in the case of an agreement funded through a funeral insurance policy, whether a guaranteed or non-guaranteed price agreement, if the provider determines that the funds or proceeds available exceed the current retail prices of the prepaid funeral goods and services to be provided, the surplus funds shall be paid to the named beneficiaries of the funeral insurance policy. h. Provide that, upon completion of performance under the agreement, the provider shall present a final bill. i. Provide that if a prepaid funeral agreement is a guaranteed price agreement, the price guarantee is a guarantee and liability of the provider and not the guarantee and liability of the insurer issuing the funeral insurance policy when a funeral insurance policy is used or the trust depository administering the funeral trust when a funeral trust is used. L.1993,c.147,s.4; amended 1999, c.193, s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-86 Additional provisions

5. In addition to those provisions required in section 4 of this act, agreements connecting a funeral insurance policy to a prepaid funeral agreement shall provide that: a. Cancellation of the funeral arrangements will not cancel or otherwise invalidate the funeral insurance policy; b. Cancellation, withdrawal of, or loans made against, the proceeds or cash value of the policy shall void any price guarantees and indicate, therefore, the likelihood that inadequate funds will exist to pay for the original arrangements as intended; and c. Cancellation of the prepaid funeral agreement will not result in the refund of premiums paid. L.1993,c.147,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-87 Additional requirements

6. In addition to the other requirements of this act, with respect to prepaid funeral agreements and the preneed funeral arrangements made in connection therewith: a. If the provider is unable to provide the prepaid goods and services requested due to the revocation of the prepaid funeral agreement or funding arrangements or due to impossibility of performance, the moneys used to fund the agreement shall be paid to the purchaser, if alive, and if not, then to the personal representative of the deceased purchaser or his estate if the agreement is funded through a funeral trust or, if the agreement is funded through a funeral insurance policy, to the named beneficiaries of the policy. b. As a condition to the performance of the agreement, the provider or an agent thereof shall deliver the prepaid funeral goods to the purchaser or personal representative of the intended funeral recipient, regardless of whether the agreement specifically provides therefor. c. Unless the intended funeral recipient's next of kin inquires about the prepaid funeral goods and services arranged for, the provider shall be entitled to presume that the arrangements on file are those intended. L.1993,c.147,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-88 Naming of provider as beneficiary prohibited

7. No provider shall knowingly permit, in conjunction with a prepaid funeral agreement, the naming of himself or itself as beneficiary of a policy, except that nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the assignment of proceeds to a provider as payment for a funeral bill, or such other mechanism that provides payments to providers for the goods or services rendered, and that provides for any excess proceeds to be paid to a named beneficiary or beneficiaries. L.1993,c.147,s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-89 Written statement to purchaser of new arrangements

8. Where a provider, with the written consent of the purchaser, replaces a funeral trust used to fund a prepaid funeral agreement with a funeral insurance policy or converts an agreement funded by a funeral trust to one which is funded by a funeral insurance policy, the provider shall give to the purchaser a written statement which sets forth the material differences between the original and the new funding arrangements and which discloses the provider's earning of a commission based upon that transaction. L.1993,c.147,s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-90 Prohibitions for providers.

9. No person shall: a. Advertise "discounts," "rebates" or other price reduction incentives: (1) which are not actual reductions of the retail prices of a provider's current general price list; or (2) which are based solely on a funeral insurance policy's premium rate tables. b. In offering to provide preneed funeral arrangements or prepaid funeral agreements, use the word "trust" or "trust funded" in any name, advertisement or solicitation in a misleading manner. c. Fund or finance preneed funeral arrangements or a prepaid funeral agreement through retail installment contracts, reverse mortgages or credit life insurance, or in any manner other than a funeral trust or funeral insurance policy. d. Waive any provision of this act in any agreement in which a person pays money under, or in connection with, a prepaid funeral agreement. Any agreement to waive any portion of this act shall render the agreement voidable by the purchaser. L.1993, c.147, s.9; amended 2009, c.218, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-91 Certain acts, fourth degree crimes

10. A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if he knowingly or purposefully solicits or induces any person to make a prepaid funeral agreement, whether funded with a funeral insurance policy or a funeral trust, with the intent to collect or charge more than the fair market value for prepaid funeral goods or services when the purchaser or intended funeral recipient is: a. an aged, blind or disabled applicant for, or recipient of, benefits pursuant to the Supplemental Security Income Program under P.L.1973, c.256 (C.44:7-85 et seq.) or any Medicaid program under P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.) utilizing the eligibility criteria of the Supplemental Security Income Program in regard to burial spaces and funds set aside for burial expenses; or b. an aged, blind or disabled person who reasonably anticipates applying for, or receiving, the benefits specified in subsection a. of this section. L.1993,c.147,s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-92 Laws governing prepaid funeral agreements

11. All prepaid funeral agreements executed on or after the effective date of this 1993 amendatory and supplementary act shall be governed pursuant to the applicable provisions of P.L.1957, c.182 (C.2A:102-13 et seq.), P.L.1985, c.147 (C.3B:11-16 et al.) and this act. L.1993,c.147,s.11.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-93 Applicability of act

12. a. This act applies to the sale of prepaid funeral goods or services and the offering of those goods or services for sale by providers. b. This act shall not apply to the sale of interment spaces or related personal property or personal services by a cemetery company as provided for in N.J.S.8A:1-1 et seq. L.1993,c.147,s.12.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-94 Rules, regulations

13. The State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey shall have jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of this act. The board is authorized to adopt such rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act. L.1993,c.147,s.13.

N.J. Stat. § 45:7-95 Funeral, disinterment, disposition of remains; written authorization.

41. A practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or practitioner of mortuary science may permit the funeral, disinterment or disposition of human remains on the written authorization of a person who claims to be, and is believed to be, a person who has the right to control the funeral, disinterment or disposition as provided by sections 22 and 23 of P.L.2003, c.261 (C.45:27-22 and C.45:27-23). A cemetery or practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or practitioner of mortuary science shall not be liable for the funeral, disinterment or disposition pursuant to this authorization unless it had reasonable notice that the person did not have the right to control the funeral, disinterment or disposition. If there are no known living relatives, a practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or practitioner of mortuary science may rely on the written authorization of any person acting in good faith on behalf of the decedent. A person who signs an authorization for the funeral, disinterment or disposition of human remains warrants the truth of the facts stated, the identity of the person whose remains are disposed, and the authority to order the funeral, disinterment or disposition. A cemetery or practitioner of mortuary and embalming science or practitioner of mortuary science shall not be liable for the funeral, disinterment or disposition in accordance with the authorization unless it had reasonable notice that the representations were untrue or that the person lacked the right to control the funeral, disinterment or disposition. L.2003,c.261,s.41; amended 2025, c.52, s.22.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026

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