A Senate bill headed to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk would close a loophole in current law that technically prohibits mortuary science students in Michigan from practicing embalming - a requirement necessary to complete their studies.
Currently, Michigan law stipulates the only people allowed to embalm dead human bodies are those licensed in mortuary science or resident trainees directly supervised by a license holder.
But according to the American Board of Funeral Service Education, a mortuary science student in an accredited program must participate in at least 10 embalmings to complete the education necessary for licensure.
Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, sponsored Senate Bill 239 to include students enrolled in an accredited mortuary science program under the umbrella of who can practice embalming.
During an April committee hearing on the legislation, Chang told lawmakers no Wayne State employees or clinical operators have ever been cited for noncompliance with Michigan law, but she noted statute “could be interpreted in a manner that would prohibit students from embalming.”
“If this occurred, Michigan students would have no in-state access to the required education and would be forced to attend an out-of-state program,” Chang said during the hearing.
The only accredited mortuary science program in Michigan is Wayne State University, which has been in operation since 1939. Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is allowing the practice of students practicing embalming under supervision to continue while legislative changes are pursued, according to Chang.
Mark Evely, mortuary science program director at Wayne State University, told lawmakers at the hearing it’s “difficult, if not impossible” for a mortuary science student to be a resident trainee while enrolled in courses due to the requirement that resident trainees work full time.
The legislation is particularly important now that Wayne State offers an online mortuary science option, said Phil Douma, executive director of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association.
“In order for these programs to provide student training in embalming, they have to have the ability to do that in local funeral home practicum sites,” Douma said. “This bill allows for the hands-on training needed for embalming.”
The legislation passed both the House and Senate unanimously, and this week was sent to the governor for final approval.