(1) At its discretion, the board may conduct audits of preneed funeral trusts. Reasons for audits include, but are not limited to: 

(a) public complaints; and

(b) board action on annual trust reports submitted per ARM 24.147.1601 and 24.147.1608.

(2) The board will contract with an independent licensed or certified public accountant to conduct the audit.

(3) The contracted auditor will conduct the audit per these statutes, rules, general audit standards, and board audit guidelines. The audit includes, but is not limited to:

(a) opinion of the independent public accountant;

(b) report of the evaluation of internal controls;

(c) the accountant's letter of qualification;

(d) trust agreement(s);

(e) financial statements; and

(f) documents supporting and verifying each asset of the fund.

(4) The fee charged by the accountant for the actual cost of the audit must be paid by the mortuary or crematory.