Funeral Home faces $2000 penalty and license suspension for employing unlicensed staff

The Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers meeting held on April 2, 2025, addressed significant compliance issues regarding licensing and penalties for funeral service providers in Tennessee. A key discussion centered on a case involving a funeral establishment that employed an unlicensed funeral director and embalmer.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the establishment had allowed an employee to operate without a valid license for a period that extended beyond the employee's license expiration on December 31, 2024. The employee had served as a licensed funeral director for four individuals and as an embalmer for one decedent during this lapse. The establishment's management acknowledged their awareness of the licensing issue but claimed they were unaware of the specific lapse in the employee's credentials until notified.

In response to this violation, the board proposed a civil penalty of $250, which would be authorized through a consent order. Additionally, the board discussed the possibility of a formal hearing if necessary to address the situation further.

Another significant motion made during the meeting involved a separate case where a civil penalty of $2,000 and a 60-day suspension of a license were proposed. This penalty would take effect on the first of the month following the return of a consent order. The motion was passed unanimously by the board members.

These discussions highlight the board's commitment to enforcing licensing regulations and ensuring compliance within the funeral service industry in Tennessee. The board's actions aim to uphold professional standards and protect the integrity of funeral services provided to the public.