What type of license is required for directing funerals in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, directing funerals requires understanding the roles and responsibilities involved in both the preparation of the body (which typically falls under the purview of an embalmer) and the overall management and arrangements for the funeral service (the role of a funeral director). A funeral director’s license is essential for overseeing the funeral process, while an embalmer's license is necessary for those who prepare bodies for viewing and burial or cremation.

Having both licenses ensures that an individual is fully qualified to manage all aspects of funeral services, from the legal and logistical tasks to the sensitive care of the deceased. This comprehensive training reflects a higher standard of practice in the funeral industry, as it equips the individual with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle a variety of situations. It is also a reflection of Tennessee's regulations that govern the funeral profession, promoting both public trust and consumer protection.

An individual with only one of the two licenses may not be fully equipped to serve in all capacities required in a funeral setting, hence the rationale for the requirement of both licenses for directing funerals.