CFSB Index - Colorado Funeral Service Board

Colorado Funeral Directors Association
Professionalism, Standards, Compassion & Service since 1898

The State of Colorado does not license funeral service practitioners. Colorado's Legislative Assembly abolished the licensing system in 1982 and the legislature has repeatedly rejected attempts to restore a licensing system, most recently in 2006 when a licensing bill was vetoed by then Colorado Governor Bill Owen. The Colorado Funeral Service Board (CFSB) - previously called the Mortuary Science Commission - was created in 1982 by the funeral service industry to promote professionalism under a voluntary system of certification, registration and the development and maintenance of standards. Individuals may apply for certification based on sufficient education, training and experience and must agree to maintain the standards and ethics of the CFSB. Participation in the CFSB's professional certification program is strictly voluntary. By maintaining strict standards, CFSB certification is recognized by other state licensing boards for reciprocal requirements. More than 200 funeral service professionals are certified by the Colorado Funeral Service Board. These individuals have committed to upholding high ethical standards, a high degree of professionalism, continued practical competence and ongoing education that will benefit consumers and the funeral service profession in Colorado. Click here to see a list of these certified professionals. Since the certification program is voluntary and is not mandated by the State of Colorado, the Colorado Funeral Service Board has no enforcement authority or legal control over violations. For Consumers The CFSB may assist consumers in resolving complaints. Anyone may file a complaint, but he/she must do so in writing and must sign the complaint within one year of an incident. The complaint should include a detailed account of the facts involved in the case and should be specific about the expected resolution. Click here for more information about filing a complaint Click here for Consumer Tips about Funeral Planning and PreNeed	Click here for a list of CFSB Certified Professionals in Colorado How Do I Apply for CFSB Certification? Click here for applications and instructions. Individuals may apply for certification in four categories based on sufficient education, training and experience and must agree to maintain the standards and ethics of the CFSB. Certified Mortuary Science Practitioner (CMSP) Certified Funeral Director (CFD) Certified Embalming Technician (CET) Certified Intern/Trainee (INT) Since the certification program is voluntary and is not mandated by the State of Colorado, the Colorado Funeral Service Board has no enforcement authority over legal or regulatory violations. In consideration of Colorado's new title protection laws, the CFSB has changed its "MSP" certification to "CMSP" or "Certified Mortuary Science Practitioner." This change will apply to existing MSP certifications and new MSP applicants as of November 1, 2009. The CFSB's certification standards are equivalent or higher than the state's title protection requirements. STATE LAWS AND TITLE PROTECTION New Colorado laws passed in 2009 prohibit individuals from advertising or promoting services under the titles of "Funeral Director" or "Embalmer" or 'Mortuary Science Practitioner" or "Cremationist" unless the individual can provide evidence for minimum education requirements, internship and/or practical experience. In addition, a person may not practice as or offer the services of a "Mortuary Science Practitioner", "Funeral Director", or "Embalmer" or "Cremationist" unless they are practicing at registered funeral establishment or crematory. Funeral establishments and crematories will be required to register with the state beginning on January 1, 2010. If your business sells, or offers to sell, funeral goods and services to the public, you will need to register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies' Office of Funeral Establishment and Crematory Registration. Colorado laws further state that it is unlawful to: "to advertise as holding a degree, a certificate of registration, a professional license, or a professional certification issued by a state, political subdivision, or agency unless the person holds such degree, registration, license or certification and it is current and valid at the time of advertisement." Formal Education The MORTUARY SCIENCE PROGRAM at Arapahoe Community College is the only ABFSE-accredited program in Colorado. The Colorado Funeral Directors Association and the Colorado Funeral Service Boards stand behind ACC's commitment to excellence in mortuary science training. or information on requirements of other states or the names of other accredited Schools of Mortuary Science contact: Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (CFSEB) www.cfseb.org National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) www.nfda.org American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) www.abfse.org

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Colorado Funeral Directors Association, P. O. Box 631664, Highlands Ranch, CO 80163-1664 Phone 303-791-2336 Fax 303-395-2609 Email to CFDA 2006-2009, All rights reserved. Colorado Funeral Directors Association.