The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau Advisory Committee convened on May 22, 2024, to address several key issues affecting the industry, including consumer protection measures and regulatory updates. The meeting began with a discussion on the importance of alerting licensees to potential scams. Committee members emphasized that if licensees receive suspicious calls claiming they are under investigation, they should hang up and verify the call using the official contact number listed on the Bureau's website.

Following this, the committee moved to agenda item five, which focused on potential changes to the Business and Professions Code regarding the display of licenses. The Bureau is considering whether to amend the requirement that every license issued must be prominently displayed in the place of business. Historically, this has included both the original wall certificate and the renewal certificate. However, with advancements in technology, the Bureau is exploring the possibility of simplifying this requirement.

Committee members discussed the practicality of requiring the original wall license, noting that the only difference between it and the renewal license is the issuance date. They argued that the renewal license, which indicates current status and expiration, may suffice for consumer protection. Additionally, the committee considered transitioning to a system that utilizes QR codes, allowing consumers to easily verify a license's validity through a digital platform.

Several members voiced their support for these changes, highlighting the need for licenses to be accessible to consumers in a straightforward manner. They suggested that a blanket statement regarding the availability of all facility licenses on the Department of Consumer Affairs website could enhance transparency. The discussion underscored the importance of making licensing information readily available to families during their interactions with funeral establishments.

The committee concluded that further exploration of statutory changes would be necessary to clarify the requirements surrounding license display. They acknowledged the need for updated regulations to facilitate compliance for licensees while ensuring consumer protection remains a priority. The meeting ended with a commitment to gather more feedback from industry stakeholders as the Bureau moves forward with these considerations.