Episode 43: Regulating the Funeral Industry

Episode 43: Regulating the Funeral Industry

From Death, et seq. by Tanya D. Marsh

April 6, 2026 · 30 min · Episode 43

About this episode

Professor Marsh discusses the outdated regulatory structures of the American funeral industry with guest Jay Doshi.

In this episode of the Death Esq. podcast, Professor Marsh welcomes Jay Doshi to discuss the outdated regulatory structures of the American funeral industry. Doshi explains how the industry stubbornly protects traditional, full-service embalmed funerals while consumer preference is rapidly shifting toward cremation and non-traditional burials. This disconnect is largely fueled by outdated single-license frameworks that force funeral directors to become licensed embalmers, creating significant barriers to entry. Doshi highlights how expensive mortuary school tuition and low-wage apprenticeships have led to an employment crisis, with only 1,600 graduates available to fill 5,700 annual job openings. To revitalize the industry, Doshi discusses pragmatic solutions like dual-licensing frameworks and externship programs. He even advocates for the complete elimination of occupational licensing requirements, arguing that a market-driven approach would lower consumer costs, spark innovation in deathcare, and naturally weed out bad actors through reputation and tort liability.

People in this episode

Host: Tanya D. Marsh

Guest: Jay Doshi

Topics covered

  • funeral industry
  • regulation
  • cremation
  • burial practices
  • employment crisis
  • licensing

Keywords

  • funeral regulation
  • embalming
  • cremation
  • mortuary school
  • licensing requirements
  • deathcare innovation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: American funeral industry, mortuary school

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