1. A. An individual shall register with and receive a permit from the Office as a registered reduction operator if the individual meets the registration requirements of this regulation.

2. B. An individual shall be registered with the Office as a registered reduction operator if the individual:

   1. (1) Completes an application form;
   2. (2) Pays the nonrefundable application fee and any other fees due under this chapter;
   3. (3) Is 18 years old or older;
   4. (4) Is of good character and reputation and provides at least three character references from employers, community leaders, or professional societies, that the applicant is an individual of good character and reputation;
   5. (5) Has achieved certification as a reduction operator by the Cremation Association of North America, International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, or other equivalent certification recognized by the Office and the Board;
   6. (6) Has successfully completed the operator training course of the manufacturer of each vessel located in the reduction facility with which the applicant is affiliated;
   7. (7) States the name and mailing address of the reduction facility with which the applicant is affiliated;

   8. (8) States whether the reduction facility with which the applicant is affiliated is owned or controlled by:

      1. (a) A corporation;
      2. (b) A partnership;
      3. (c) A limited liability company; or
      4. (d) A sole proprietorship; and
   9. (9) States whether the applicant is the responsible party for the affiliated reduction facility.

3. C. Additional Requirements.

   1. (1) An individual applying for a permit as a registered reduction operator shall provide the Office with a detailed description of activities including, but not limited to, whether the applicant has:

      1. (a) Had a license, certification, registration, or permit of the type for which the application is being made ever denied, suspended, or revoked by any jurisdiction;
      2. (b) Been convicted of a felony in any state or federal court;
      3. (c) Been convicted in any State or federal court of a misdemeanor directly related to the ownership or operation of a reduction facility;
      4. (d) Had any civil judgments or settlements within the 5 years before applying for a permit which directly related to the ownership or operation of a reduction facility; or
      5. (e) Been convicted by a court in this State of violating a usury provision under Commercial Law Article, Title 12, Annotated Code of Maryland, or an unfair and deceptive trade practices provision under Commercial Law Article, Title 13, Annotated Code of Maryland.

   2. (2) An applicant shall submit copies of all:

      1. (a) Charging documents which were issued and docket entries for convictions, which occurred before applying for a permit, for a misdemeanor or felony referred to in §C(1)(b), (c), or (e) of this regulation;
      2. (b) Disciplinary actions, judgments, and final orders which occurred or were issued before applying for a permit for any regulatory probation, suspension, or revocation referred to in §C(1)(a) of this regulation; and
      3. (c) Civil judgments or settlements against the applicant within the past 5 years which directly relate to the ownership or operation of a reduction facility.
   3. (3) An individual applying for a permit, who is designated by the permit holder as the responsible party, shall state the name and residential address of each employee who sells goods or services to the public while engaging in the operation of a reduction facility.
4. D. A registered reduction operator may not be designated as the responsible party for more than two reduction facilities.
5. E. An individual may be issued permits for affiliations with more than two reduction facilities if each affiliated reduction facility is owned by the same individual or entity.
6. F. An individual who will become the registered reduction operator for a reduction facility which was in operation prior to the effective date of this chapter or for a reduction facility which has filed an application for a permit pursuant to this chapter shall obtain the certification and training required by §B(5) and (6) of this regulation within 90 days from the effective date of this chapter or be subject to action by the Office.

Authority: Business Regulation Article, §5-204, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: March 30, 2026 (53:6 Md. R. 287)