What constitutes a ground for disciplinary action regarding criminal conviction?

The basis for disciplinary action concerning a criminal conviction is grounded in its relevance to the qualifications and duties of the professional in question. When a conviction is described as "substantially related" to the practice of embalming, it signifies that the conduct underlying the conviction bears a direct connection to the responsibilities and ethical standards expected of an embalmer. This relationship ensures that those entrusted with public health and safety maintain a high standard of moral and ethical conduct.

It is critical to ensure that professionals in this field are not just technically skilled, but also embody integrity and trustworthiness, given the sensitive nature of their work. A conviction that demonstrates a lack of such attributes would potentially undermine public confidence in the embalming profession.

The other options do not accurately reflect the criteria for disciplinary action. For instance, not every personal conduct conviction necessarily impacts professional ability. Similarly, limiting grounds for disciplinary action solely to felonies involving fraud overlooks other serious offenses that could compromise an embalmer's professional standards. Lastly, declaring any conviction grounds for action could lead to excessive disciplinary measures even for minor or irrelevant offenses not related to the professional practice. Thus, the chosen answer precisely captures the necessary connection between a conviction and the duties of an embalmer.