State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors public meetings in 2022
10 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
The Board will review an Attorney General opinion regarding doctor signatures on death certificates and discuss FTC rule communications. The meeting includes reports on new licenses, inspector performance evaluations, and financial budget projections.
- Review of AG Opinion 22-0097 regarding physician signatures on death certificates
- Discussion of FTC Rule and fine increase communications
- Performance evaluation and salary review for inspectors Marybeth Harrington and R. Demale Bowden, Jr.
- Review of budget P&L and projected FY 22.23 financial report
- Update on complaints reviewed by the CRC
The Board found Grace Business Holdings, L.L.C., Boone Funeral Home and Memorial Crematory, and Bryan Dauphin guilty of multiple violations, including the unauthorized cremation of Thalmor Goggins, Jr. The Board also decided to continue using Zoom for continuing education and informational purposes.
- Fined Grace Business Holdings, L.L.C., Boone Funeral Home and Memorial Crematory, and Bryan Dauphin $17,500 (with $15,000 suspended) for malpractice and unauthorized cremation
- Ordered Grace Business Holdings, L.L.C., Boone Funeral Home and Memorial Crematory, and Bryan Dauphin to pay $2,737.50 in attorney's fees
- Decided to continue using Zoom for continuing education and informational purposes
- Approved the Executive Director's report on new licenses and internships
- Accepted inspection reports from Inspector M. Harrington and Inspector R. Demale Bowden, Jr.
- Approved September 2022 meeting minutes
- Accepted the financial report and budget
- Dismissed complaint 21.22.0019
State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
The Board will hold a meeting to discuss inspections, staff matters, and office business. The agenda includes an executive session for hearing deliberations and board/staff matters.
- Board-Staff inspections
- Executive session regarding hearing deliberation and office business
- Public comment period
The Board reviewed and amended several lines of the inspection report. Members voted to remove specific language regarding furnishings and equipment. The Board also decided to seek an Attorney General's opinion on license display and inspection procedures.
- Voted unanimously to review three to five files for funeral records on site
- Voted unanimously to remove language in Line 9 regarding furnishings
- Voted unanimously to temporarily remove Line 12 regarding being properly equipped
- Voted unanimously to seek Attorney General's opinion on 'conspicuous' license display and inspection report photography
- Voted unanimously to keep eyewash and shower notations on the inspection report
State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
The Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors will ratify votes from its August 9, 2022 meeting, which was not closed to the public but gave that impression due to the Zoom link placement. The board will also discuss compliance matters including an inquiry about the LRR examination, funeral records, a funeral home destroyed by fire, and a resolution to add a member to the Complaint Review Committee. Updates from the executive director, inspector, and financial reports for FY 21/22 and projected FY 22/23 are on the agenda.
- Ratification of votes from August 9, 2022 meeting that appeared closed to the public
- N. Barber inquiry regarding LRR examination
- M. Bass inquiry regarding funeral records (manual or electronic) as stated upon inspection report
- H.C. Alexander Funeral Home, Norco – destroyed by fire in January 2022, inquiring about renewal for 2023
- Resolution for addition of Heidi L. Penouilh to the Complaint Review Committee
The Board approved a request for H.C. Alexander Funeral Home, Norco, to operate through Leitz Eagan Funeral Home in Metairie following a fire. The Board also ratified reports from an August meeting and approved several new professional licenses.
- Approved H.C. Alexander Funeral Home, Norco to operate through Leitz Eagan Funeral Home, Metairie (Unanimous)
- Tabled resolution to add Heidi L. Penouilh to the Complaint Review Committee (Unanimous)
- Ratified August 9, 2022 Executive Director's report, new licenses, and internships (Unanimous)
- Approved May and June 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Approved FY 21/22 and projected FY 22/23 financial reports (Unanimous)
- Approved Executive Director's report including new licenses for funeral directors and retort operators (Unanimous)
- Approved inspection reports from Marybeth Harrington and R. DeMale Bowden, Jr. (Unanimous)
- Accepted Complaint Review Committee report regarding five reviewed complaints (Unanimous)
State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
The Board will review inspection reports, annual license renewals, and financial reports for FY 21/22 and projected FY 22/23. The meeting also includes a matter regarding Professional Funeral Services and Malcolm Gibson.
- Admission and Consent: In the Matter of Professional Funeral Services and Malcolm Gibson
- Review of inspection reports
- Annual license renewal review
- Financial report for FY 21/22 P&L and projected FY 22.23
- Complaint updates reviewed by CRC
The Board found Malcolm Gibson and Professional Funeral Services, Inc. guilty of multiple preneed contract and reporting violations. The Board also updated inspection protocols and addressed public records requests.
- Fined Malcolm Gibson and Professional Funeral Services, Inc. $2,326.25 for preneed contract and reporting violations
- Approved second revised inspection report for immediate use
- Temporarily discontinued Saturday and non-establishment inspections
- Tabled the taking of photographs during inspections pending further evaluation
- Approved request for Attorney General opinion on inspection and photography practices
- Approved August 9, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved continuing Zoom as an option for continuing education and observation
- Ordered collection of printing fees prior to releasing public records
State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
The Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors will meet via Zoom on August 9, 2022. The agenda includes a discussion about a shortage of pathologists and concerns that funeral directors are advising coroners on embalming requirements for out-of-state transport. Other items include recognitions, reports on licenses, finances, and complaints, and an executive session for board/staff matters.
- Discussion of pathologist shortage and embalming advice for out-of-state transport (letter from Dr. Dupke)
- Mandatory ADA training update
- Executive session for board/staff matters and hearing deliberation
- Reports on new licenses, reinstatements, and inspections
- Complaint update from the CRC
The Board determined that embalming is not required for transporting human remains across state lines if the remains are in the care and custody of the coroner. The Board also approved the Executive Director's report, financial reports, and inspection reports.
- Clarified that embalming is not required for interstate transport if remains are in coroner's custody
- Approved minutes from May 10, 2022 and June 14, 2022 (unanimous)
- Approved Executive Director's report (unanimous)
- Approved Inspector Marybeth Harrington's report (unanimous)
- Approved Inspector R. DeMale Bowden, Jr.'s report (unanimous)
- Approved financial report and budget for FY 21/22 and proposed FY 22/23 (unanimous)
- Approved complaint report including 12 new complaints and 16 reviewed (unanimous)
- Read into minutes a resolution for Russell John Frederick and service recognitions for James Allemond, Jr. and William Wimberly
State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
The Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors will meet via Zoom on June 14, 2022. The agenda includes a financial report on the current and upcoming budgets, an update on the state treasury audit of SCI Pre need accounts, and revisions to the embalming and inspection logs. The board will also consider a resolution and a dedication of service, and may enter executive session for personnel and hearing matters.
- Update on state treasury audit of SCI Pre need accounts
- Financial report on budget P&L 21/22 and proposed budget for 22/23
- Revisions to embalming log and inspection log
- Complaint update from CRC
- Executive session for board/staff matters and hearing deliberation
The Board approved the hiring of two new inspectors following a series of interviews. The Board also accepted the Executive Director's, Inspector's, and financial reports, and approved recommendations for five complaint reviews.
- Approved hiring Candidate 'B' as inspector (unanimous)
- Approved hiring Candidate 'C' as inspector (majority vote; Mr. Boudreaux opposed)
- Accepted Executive Director's report (unanimous)
- Accepted Inspector's report (unanimous)
- Accepted financial report (unanimous)
- Accepted Complaint Review Committee's report recommending two formal hearings, two informal hearings, and one hold (unanimous)
State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
The Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors will conduct formal hearings regarding alleged violations by funeral homes and individuals, including an admission and consent matter. The board will also review minutes, financial reports, and discuss legislation and staff matters.
- Formal hearing: In the Matter of Pamela Rogers at 10:00 AM
- Formal hearing: In the Matter of Stephanie Navarre at 10:30 AM
- Formal hearing: In the Matter of Rodney Vick, Iris Chapman, Karen James and Affordable Funeral Home, Lacombe at 11:00 AM
- Admission and Consent: In the Matter of Dorothy Stewart and Progressive Funeral Home, Bunkie
- Discussion of 2022 Regular Session legislation and proposed budget for 22/23
The Board issued fines and sanctions against Progressive Funeral Home and Affordable Funeral Home, L.L.C. for unlawful practice and unethical conduct. It also suspended the license of Stephanie Navarre for 10 days and Iris Chapman for 30 days. Additionally, the Board approved new educational accreditation standards for funeral directing licenses.
- Fined Dorothy Stewart and Progressive Funeral Home $2,788.75 for multiple violations including unlawful practice and overcharging for death certificates
- Fined Affordable Funeral Home, L.L.C., Karen James, and Rodney Vick $12,150.00 for unlawful practice and malpractice
- Suspended Iris Chapman's funeral director license for 30 days (June 7 to July 6, 2022)
- Suspended Stephanie Navarre's license for 10 days for failing to respond to a complaint
- Approved accepting COE and ACCSC accreditation for funeral directing license requirements
- Dismissed the matter regarding Pamela Rogers
- Approved the March 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved a salary increase for Executive Director Kim W. Michel
State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
The Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors will hold a formal hearing regarding Pamela Rogers and Rest Assured Funeral Home in Bossier City. The board will also consider admission and consent items for two individuals from the same funeral home. Other business includes updates on laws and rules, inspection reports, financial reports, and a proposed budget for 2022-2023. Public attendance is not allowed; the meeting is via Zoom.
- Formal hearing: In the Matter of Pamela Rogers and Rest Assured Funeral Home, Bossier City (10:00 AM)
- Admission and Consent: Shirley Curry, Rest Assured Funeral Home
- Admission and Consent: Bruce Parsee, Rest Assured Funeral Home
- Financial report: Audit report, Budget 21/22 and proposed budget for 22/23
- Executive session for board/staff matters and hearing deliberation
The Board revoked the license of Rest Assured Memorial Funeral Home and issued fines to its owner and an employee for malpractice and unlawful practice. The Board also voted to hire two inspectors and approved a banking signature update.
- Revoked funeral establishment license of Rest Assured Memorial Funeral Home (#2960) (Unanimous)
- Fined Bruce Parse’e and Rest Assured Memorial Funeral Home $15,000 plus $3,112.50 in attorney fees (Unanimous)
- Fined Shirley Curry $2,500, with $2,000 suspended (Unanimous)
- Approved hiring of two inspectors (6-1)
- Added Willie P. Davis, Jr.'s signature to banking accounts (Unanimous)
- Accepted Laws and Rules Committee update and report (Unanimous)
- Approved February 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Accepted Executive Director and Inspector reports (Unanimous)
State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
The Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors will meet via Zoom on February 15, 2022, with public attendance not allowed. Key items include a formal hearing regarding EA Ussin and Baloney Funeral Home, a review of embalming logs, approval of January 2022 minutes, financial reports including an audit and budgets, and a complaint update. The board will also enter executive session for personnel and legal matters.
- Formal hearing: In the Matter of EA Ussin and Baloney Funeral Home, Laplace at 10:00 AM
- Request for clarification on a letter from Foster Guillory regarding WAKE, GPL, and price comparison survey
- Embalming log review
- Financial report – Audit report / Budget 21/22 and proposed 22/23
- Complaint update – complaints reviewed by CRC
The Board revoked the license of Evans A. Ussin after finding him guilty of unprofessional, unethical, and dishonest conduct, including forgery and fraud. The Board also approved a revised embalming log page and accepted the financial and complaint reports.
- Revoked license of Evans A. Ussin (#U-1702) (unanimous)
- Fined Evans A. Ussin $17,144.75 in total fines and fees (unanimous)
- Approved revised embalming log page effective March 1, 2022 (unanimous)
- Approved January 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted financial report and budget for FY 21/22 and proposed FY 22/23 (unanimous)
- Accepted Complaint Review Committee report regarding 14 complaints (unanimous)
State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
This is a regular meeting of the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. The board will discuss an email request regarding hydro cremation and review Attorney General Opinion 21-0131. They will also hear reports from the executive director and inspector, approve minutes from November 2021, review financial reports, and receive a complaint update. An executive session is scheduled for board/staff matters and hearing deliberation.
- Email request re hydro cremation (hearing/compliance)
- AG Opinion 21-0131 (FYI)
- Executive session for board/staff matters and hearing deliberation
- Approval of November 2021 minutes
- Financial report
The Board accepted the retirement of Inspector Jude Daigle and approved the financial and complaint reports. A request to operate a hydro cremation unit was referred to the Laws and Rules Committee because no specific regulations currently exist. The Board also issued several new professional licenses.
- Referred hydro cremation unit request to Laws and Rules Committee for review
- Accepted Executive Director and Inspector reports (unanimous)
- Approved December meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted FY 21/22 financial report and budget (unanimous)
- Accepted complaint report recommending 3 formal hearings, 5 informal hearings, and 1 further discovery (unanimous)
- Accepted Jude Daigle's resignation/retirement effective June 30, 2022 (unanimous)