Tennessee Funeral Board approves multiple civil penalties, warning and a 60‑day suspension plan in consumer complaints

The Tennessee Funeral Board met April 2 in Nashville and voted on a slate of enforcement actions brought by the board’s legal staff. Legal counsel Mister Bryant presented the board’s recommendations and the board approved civil penalties, a letter of warning and, in one case, a 60‑day suspension tied to a $2,000 civil penalty and further formal hearing authority.

Board members said the actions respond to inspection findings and consumer complaints about unlicensed managers, unregistered preneed sales agents, online pricing disclosures and alleged failures to notify next of kin. “Based on the above, we'd recommend a $500 civil penalty,” Legal counsel Mister Bryant told the board while presenting several routine inspection cases.

Why it matters: The board’s votes change the regulatory status of several establishments and licensees and signal stricter follow‑through for repeat noncompliance. Board members debated how best to secure payment of penalties after several prior consent orders went unpaid; the board added language to consent orders during discussion that can freeze licensure when a signed order is not paid and said unresolved matters may be referred to collections or a formal hearing.

Key board actions and outcomes

- Complaint 260066131 (manager license lapse): Counsel recommended a $500 civil…