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Audit unit issued 485 warning letters for late annual reports; enforcement referrals increased
Summary
The bureau's audit unit reported a bulk mailing of 485 warning letters to funeral establishments that failed to file annual reports on time, which drove an increase in bureau-initiated complaints. The audits unit said cemetery annual reporting was 89% on time for the period and funeral establishments 53% on time.
The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau audit unit told the May 28 advisory committee that it sent 485 warning letters to establishments that missed annual reporting deadlines, a move that inflated the total complaint count for the reporting period but reflected an enforcement outreach effort.
"For this period, the cemetery was 89% on time ... On the funeral side, 53% were on time," Audit Manager Michelle said when summarizing mandated annual-reporting compliance. She and bureau staff said 485 complaints were initiated by the bureau for late reporting, and that after subtracting those bureau-initiated referrals the overall complaint count is consistent with prior years.
The audit unit explained the bureau's next steps for noncompliance: a warning letter for first-time late filings and subsequent enforcement action (citations or further proceedings) for repeated noncompliance. The unit also noted it has moved some required reporting (the interment fee quarterly report) online to improve timeliness.
Bureau officials said timely annual reporting is critical because the audit unit reviews consumer-protection trust funds and other financial safeguards. The advisory committee discussed outreach measures the bureau has used, including reminders via listserv and social media, and the new batch warning-letter effort.
Ending: The audits unit said it will continue outreach and enforcement for late reporters and will monitor whether warning letters lead to improved compliance.
