1. A. A sole proprietor applicant for a new crematory shall receive a permit to operate if the sole proprietor applicant meets the permit requirements of this regulation.

2. B. A sole proprietor shall receive a permit from the Office if, at least 30 days prior to the opening of the new crematory, the sole proprietor applicant:

   1. (1) Completes an application form;
   2. (2) Pays the nonrefundable application fee and any other fees due under this chapter;
   3. (3) Provides the name, address, and phone number of each affiliated crematory;

   4. (4) Designates a registered crematory operator as the responsible party for each affiliated crematory provided that:

      1. (a) The registered crematory operator may not be designated as the responsible party for more than a total of two crematories; and
      2. (b) A registered crematory operator shall be registered to operate a cremator, alkaline hydrolysis unit, or both; and

   5. (5) Provides an affidavit stating that the new crematory business:

      1. (a) Is financially stable; and
      2. (b) Has the ability to continue to operate the crematory business for a 2-year period after issuance of a permit.

3. C. Before applying to the Office for a permit, a crematory shall have in its employ an individual who holds a certification from:

   1. (1) The Cremation Association of North America;
   2. (2) The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association; or
   3. (3) Another equivalent body recognized by the Office and the Board.

Authority: Business Regulation Article, §§5-102, 5-204, 5-205, 5-301—5-310, 5-312, 5-401—5-403, and 5-901—5-905, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: March 31, 2014 (41:6 Md. R. 378)

Regulation .14 adopted as an emergency provision effective August 28, 2014 (41:19 Md. R. 1074); adopted permanently effective November 24, 2014 (41:23 Md. R. 1372)

Regulation .02D, F, amended effective April 13, 2026 (53:7 Md. R. 327)

Regulation .02G adopted effective April 13, 2026 (53:7 Md. R. 327)

Regulation .03B amended effective April 13, 2026 (53:7 Md. R. 327)

Regulation .04B amended effective April 13, 2026 (53:7 Md. R. 327)

Regulation .05 amended effective April 13, 2026 (53:7 Md. R. 327)

Regulation .06B, C amended effective April 13, 2026 (53:7 Md. R. 327)

Regulation .07B, C amended effective April 13, 2026 (53:7 Md. R. 327)

Regulation .14 amended effective April 13, 2026 (53:7 Md. R. 327)