Tennessee funeral board closes several complaints, levies fines in multiple cases

The Tennessee Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers reviewed its legal report and acted on eight complaint files during its Oct. 14 meeting in Nashville.

Board counsel Michael Bryant summarized each matter for the board and recommended closure in six files, a $500 civil penalty in one advertising case and a $4,000 civil penalty in a case involving a two‑year delay filing a death certificate. For a separate long‑running complaint involving alleged delays and paperwork problems the board approved a $2,000 penalty reduced to $1,500 if the respondent proves refunds were made and also required a letter of instruction.

The most heavily discussed item, complaint 2025042431, involved a complainant who said the funeral home failed to file a death certificate for two years. Bryant told the board the respondent ultimately filed the certificate on July 31, 2025, two years and 16 days after the death, and legal recommended a $2,000 civil penalty by consent order. Board member Tim Wheeler moved to increase the civil penalty to $4,000; Randy Nash seconded the motion and it carried.

On complaint 2025045051, which challenged a billboard that advertised flat…