The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau is making significant strides in modernizing its operations, which will greatly benefit California residents seeking funeral and cemetery services. During the recent Cemetery and Funeral Bureau Advisory Committee meeting on May 22, 2024, Deputy Chief Sandra Patterson provided an update on the Bureau's business modernization project, known as Bismod. This initiative aims to enhance the Bureau's outdated information technology systems, allowing for more efficient online services.

The new platform, CFP Connect, launched in May 2023, currently supports two applications: the original funeral director and funeral establishment licenses. Additional applications, including those for cemetery and crematory managers, are set to be released soon. This transition to electronic submissions is expected to streamline the licensing process, reduce processing times, and improve accessibility for both applicants and Bureau staff.

Patterson highlighted the importance of moving away from paper applications, which can lead to incomplete submissions and delays. The CFP Connect system guides users through the application process, ensuring that all necessary documents are submitted correctly. As the Bureau continues to roll out more online services, paper applications will be phased out, available only upon request.

While the transition has not been without challenges—such as data transfer issues and duplicate profiles—Patterson assured attendees that these problems are being addressed. The Bureau is committed to maintaining efficient processing times and is closely monitoring the situation as it develops the enforcement side of the CFP Connect system, including an online consumer complaint form.

This modernization effort is a crucial step towards improving the overall experience for Californians navigating funeral and cemetery services, making the process more user-friendly and efficient. As the Bureau continues to enhance its digital capabilities, residents can expect a more streamlined approach to obtaining necessary licenses and services in the future.