Georgia State Board of Funeral Service
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
(478) 207-2440 phone
(866) 888-8026 fax
www.sos.ga.gov/plb/funeral

Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards:
The last quarter of the year is one of the busiest processing times for the staff at PLB.  We have twelve different license types in renewal during the period along with a number of December graduates applying for various licenses.  For existing license holders, our on-line renewal process allows us to process in excess of 92% of our renewals with very nominal staff involvement.  It also provides our customers with a process that is fast, efficient, paperless and accurate.

For the new graduates, we now have 32 on-line applications available for those applying for their first license with us.  This enables some new graduates to go on-line, register, apply for licensure and pay their fees.  This  paperless system allows the staff to process applications much quicker to the benefit of the applicant who can receive their license and go to work much faster than in the past.  We are planning more on-line applications for the near future.

As we begin the year 2010, we will continue to offer more services on-line and strive to improve our processing times.  For license holders, please keep your personal information up to date and accurate so our transactions with you can be faster and more accurate. 

Regards,
Randy Vaughn
Director of the Professional Licensing Boards

The Georgia State Board of Funeral Service consists of seven members: six licensed and practicing funeral directors and embalmers and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets twelve times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed.

The Board is authorized to prescribe a standard of proficiency as to the qualifications and fitness of embalmers and funeral directors, to revoke or suspend licenses for any violation of this law, to adopt rules and regulations and to set standards of sanitation to be observed in the embalming or cremation of dead human bodies. Any person desiring to engage in the practice of embalming or in the business or practice of funeral directing or operating a funeral establishment must first meet the requirements of the law and rules and be licensed by the Board.

Minutes from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/funeral

Board Members:

Linda Ware, Chairman
Lauren McDonald, Vice-Chairman
David Roach
Thelon Hamby
Terry Daviston
Draper Watson
Nancy Kennedy, Consumer

Board Staff:

Steve Lindsey
Executive Director
Georgia State Board of Funeral Service

2010 Meetings:

January 12, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
February 9, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
March 9, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
April 13, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
May 11, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
June 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
July 13, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
August 10, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
September 14, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
October 5, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
November 9, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
December 14, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon.

Number of Active Licensees:

Funeral Establishment: 692
Funeral Director: 2,000
Embalmer: 1,787
Funeral Service Apprentice: 545
Crematory: 75

Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service

October: The Board voted to approve five new Funeral Establishment licenses, one new Crematory license, two Funeral Establishment change of name requests, five changes to Funeral Director in Full and Continuous Charge, eight Funeral Director licenses, eight Embalmer licenses and 15 Funeral Apprentice licenses.
The Board voted to approve the following requests for grace periods to replace the facilities’ Funeral Director in Full and Continuous Charge:

• Peoples Funeral Home, Harlem
• Perry Brother Funeral Home, Inc., Waycross

The Board voted to accept the following cease and desist orders for unlicensed practice:

• Charles W Phelps Sr., Elberton
• C.W. Phelps Funeral Home, Elberton
• Speer & Speer Funeral Home, McDonough

The Board approved the following orders to accept fine money for inspection violations:

• Speer & Speer, McDonough: Fined $350 for failure to maintain a minimum of eight adult caskets within the display room on the premises of the establishment and failure to conspicuously display a current biennial renewal license for the establishment, embalmer, funeral director and any apprentices.
• Jones-Habersham Funeral Home, Swainsboro: Fined $100 for failure to maintain one operable motor hearse.
• Community Funeral Home of Pike, Zebulon: Fined $200 for failure provide a written statement that has been signed and certified by a licensed funeral director showing the price of services and items.
• Evans-Skipper Funeral Home, Donalsonville: Fined $50 for failure to conspicuously display a current biennial renewal license for the establishment, embalmer, funeral director and any apprentices.
• Hill’s Mortuary, Inc., Statesboro: Fined $100 for failure to attach a tag to the deceased human body in the funeral. 

The Board voted to approve the following courses for continuing education:

• Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association: Two classes.
• International Order of the Golden Rule: One class.
• MKJ Marketing: One class.
• National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA): Two classes.
• Service Corporation International (SCI): One class.

The Board voted to post the following rule amendment:

• Board Rule 250-5-.06: The proposed rule amendments adds provisions whereby an applicant for licensure as a funeral director by endorsement may qualify by acquired experience as a licensed funeral director in another state. 

November: A public hearing was held for the purpose of appealing a fine issued for an inspection violation against the following funeral establishment:

• Lane Memorial Chapel, Adel: Board voted to uphold the original fine and allow for payments of $100 per month until full balance is received; payments will begin in December 2009.

The Board approved two new funeral establishment licenses, one funeral establishment change of name request, three funeral director licenses, three embalmer licenses and 10 funeral apprentice licenses.

The Board voted to approve the following requests for grace periods to replace the facilities’ funeral director in full and continuous charge:

• Smith’s Mortuary, Inc., East Point
• Smith Funeral Home, LLC, Richland

The Board voted to approve the following courses for continuing education:

• National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA): Cemetery/Funeral Home Business Success through Passion for Service: the End of Mediocrity – Web seminar 
• Selected Independent Funeral Homes: Selected Independent Funeral Homes NextGen Seminar
• Michael Fowler (Safety &Health): Some New & Innovative Ideas in Restorative Art/ Cosmetics, The Right Approach to the Difficult Case, Description of Vital Events Information System (VEIS), Fighting Fraud with the Red Flag Rule, Funeral Home & Emergency Preparedness

 
The Board voted to post an updated version of Board Rule 250-5-.06 as amended.
 
December: The Board voted to adopt changes to the following Board rules:

• Rule 250- 1-.04, Restrictions on Board Members' Activities: The purpose of the proposed rule amendments is to clarify “ownership” and “management interest” for the purpose of board member participation in deliberation and decisions on applications presented for Board consideration.
• Rule 250- 4-.04, Fees and Renewal: The purpose of the proposed rule amendments is to eliminate language regarding applicants paying a reduced fee when initial apprenticeship registration is granted in the last year of a licensing cycle.  The proposed rule amendments also clarify that apprentices may not work if their registration is not renewed by the expiration date, and apprenticeship hours will not be credited for apprentices whose licenses are not renewed by the expiration date.
• Rule 250-5-.11, Inactive Status: The purpose of the proposed rule amendments is to move the entire rule from Section 250-6 Establishment/Crematory Licensure and Regulations, where it is presently listed as Rule 250-6-.04 Inactive Status. and to include the rule in its entirety in Section 250-5 Personal Licensure.  The provisions of the rule concern personal licensure of embalmers and funeral directors, and, therefore, the rule will be more appropriately listed in Section 250-5. 
• Rule 250-5-.12, Continuing Education Requirements: The purpose of the proposed rule amendments is to move the entire rule from Section 250-6 Establishment/Crematory Licensure and Regulations, where it is presently listed as Rule 250-6-.03 Continuing Education Requirements.  Amended. and to include the rule in its entirety in Section 250-5 Personal Licensure.  The provisions of the rule concern personal licensure of embalmers and funeral directors, and, therefore, the rule will be more appropriately listed in Section 250-5. 
• Rule 250-6-.02, Changes of Status Which Must be Reported: The purpose of the proposed rule amendments is to provide that notification of a change of ownership of a funeral establishment or crematory must be signed by both the seller and the purchaser; to provide for representation of ownership in the event that ownership cannot attend a meeting to approve a new Funeral Director in Full & Continuous Charge; and to provide that the Board may waive the requirement of appearance for appointment if the new Funeral Director in Full & Continuous Charge has an ownership interest in the establishment. 
• Rule 250-6-.03, (Repeal): The purpose of the proposed rule amendments is to delete the rule in its entirety, in order to establish a new rule with the same provisions.  The provisions of the rule are being posted for adoption as Rule 250-5-.12 Continuing Education Requirements.  Amended.  Moving the rule is necessary to place the provisions of the rule in a more appropriate section.
• Rule 250-6-.04, (Repeal): The purpose of the proposed rule amendments is to delete the rule in its entirety, in order to establish a new rule with the same provisions.  The provisions of the rule are being posted for adoption as Rule 250-5-.11 Inactive Status.  Moving the rule is necessary to place the provisions of the rule in a more appropriate section.
• Rule 250-6-.06, Funeral Establishment Inspections: The purpose of the proposed rule amendments is to include language in sub-paragraph (2) (g) regarding display rooms to comply with provisions in OCGA § 43-18-70(b) (3).
• Rule 250-6-.09, Responsibilities of the Funeral Director in Full & Continuous Charge: The purpose of the proposed rule amendments is to detail the responsibilities of the Funeral Director in Full & Continuous Charge of a funeral establishment or crematory.

The Board voted to approve two new funeral establishment licenses; two funeral establishment change of name requests and seven changes to funeral director in full and continuous charge of a funeral establishment.
The Board voted to approve the following request for a grace period to replace the facilities’ funeral director in full and continuous charge:

• Ashburn Funeral Home, Ashburn

The Board voted to approve the following request to lift the licensee’s probationary status:

• Frederick Stafford, Embalmer and Funeral Director, Albany

The Board voted to approve the following courses for continuing education:

• Georgia Funeral Directors Association (GFDA), Expo2010: six hours approved
• Health and Safety (Michael Fowler), Crime Victims Compensation Program: two hours approved
• National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), Simple and Practical Best Practice Ideas for Leading Funeral Homes: one hour approved

The Board approved the following orders to accept fine money for inspection violations:

• Bentley & Sons Funeral Home, Barnesville: $50 for failure to contain in each embalming room instruments and supplies for the separation and embalming of dead bodies, specifically 24 bottles arterial fluid and 24 bottles cavity fluid.
• Community Funeral Home, Shellman: $100 for failure to maintain one operable motor hearse and/or combination hearse/ambulance with current Georgia registration for the transportation of casketed human remains at the establishment.
• C W Phelps Funeral Home, Elberton: $250 for failure to maintain a minimum of eight adult caskets within the display room on the premises of the establishment; failure to maintain one operable motor hearse and/or combination hearse/ambulance with current Georgia registration for the transportation of casketed human remains at the establishment and failure to conspicuously display a current biennial renewal license for the establishment, embalmer, funeral director and any apprentices.
• Darien Funeral Home, Darien: $200 for failure to maintain a minimum of eight adult caskets within the display room on the premises of the establishment.
• Davenport – McLendon Mortuary, Inc., Washington: $200 for failure to maintain a minimum of eight adult caskets within the display room on the premises of the establishment. 
• Dawson’s Mortuary, Sparta: $400 for failure to screen all outside openings where left open for ventilation; failure to maintain one operable motor hearse and/or combination hearse/ambulance with current Georgia registration for the transportation of casketed human remains at the establishment; failure to have a card or brochure in each casket stating the price of the casket; and failure to conspicuously display a current biennial renewal license for the establishment, embalmer, funeral director and any apprentices.
• Edwards & Sons Mortuary, Decatur: $100 for failure to maintain one operable motor hearse and/or combination hearse/ambulance with current Georgia registration for the transportation of casketed human remains at the establishment.
• Godfrey Funeral Home, LLC, Valdosta: $100 for failure to maintain a minimum of eight adult caskets within the display room on the premises of the establishment.
• Hadley’s Funeral Home, Inc., Thomasville: $50 for failure to equip all embalming rooms with a sink with a drain opening and a non porous sanitary cover into a sewerage or septic tank.
• Haugabrooks Funeral Home, Inc., Atlanta: $400 for failure to have a card or brochure in each casket stating the price of the casket.
• McDougald Funeral Home/Undertaking Establishment, Butler: $400 for failure to equip all embalming rooms with hot and cold running water; and failure to have a card or brochure in each casket stating the price of the casket.
• McLendon Memorial Funeral Home, Washington: $50 for failure to conspicuously display a current biennial renewal license for the establishment, embalmer, funeral director and any apprentices.
• Scott and Roberts Mortuary, Inc., Valdosta: $300 for failure to maintain a minimum of eight adult caskets within the display room on the premises of the establishment.

License Renewals:

Licenses expire as follows:
Crematory – June 30 of odd numbered years
Embalmer – March 31 of even numbered years
Funeral Director – March 31 of even numbered years
Funeral Establishment – June 30 of odd numbered years
Funeral Apprentice – March 31 of even numbered years

It is illegal to work as an apprentice, embalmer or funeral director or to operate a crematory or funeral establishment with an expired license.

How do I renew my license? 

You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license.

The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at 478-207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at 404-463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice.

Disciplinary Issues:

The board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis, the Board takes these matters very seriously and applies sanctions to those who violate the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/funeral.

All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service website.

Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-18-46 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service website.

Georgia State Board of Funeral Service Complaints Process Information:

The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service to regulate the licensing and practice of funeral services. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-18 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows:

Complaint Form:

Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules.

Investigations:

The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority.

Notification Process:

While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions:

A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440.