Pennsylvania Secretary of State: Licensing initiative brings nearly 100 funeral homes into compliance

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new initiative to ensure that the Commonwealth's funeral homes are meeting licensing requirements has resulted in nearly total compliance, Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés said today.

In February, the Department of State published on its website a list of 98 funeral establishments that had failed to renew their licenses by the February 1 deadline. Today, only 2 facilities are still without a license, Cortés said.

"We took this step for the sake of Pennsylvania families who suddenly find themselves in need of funeral services," Cortés said. "The increase in compliance should mean more peace of mind for anyone who must rely on a funeral facility."

All funeral establishments licensed by the State Board of Funeral Directors faced a February 1 deadline to complete their biennial renewal. The renewal period began November 9, 2015.

Ian Harlow, Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs, said all non-compliant licensees were notified before the list was posted.

"The great majority of Pennsylvania's 1,326 funeral homes are conscientious about their professional requirements," Harlow said. "By publishing this list of non-compliant licensees, we wanted to make it clear that every licensed facility is being held accountable."

The public can check the license status of individual funeral directors or any licensed professional at the Department's online database.

The Department's website, www.dos.pa.gov, includes complete regulations for the State Board of Funeral Directors and for all professional licensing boards and commissions in Pennsylvania.

Anyone who suspects unlicensed activity by an individual or facility, or who has been a victim of unethical treatment, can file a complaint either online or through the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs hotline at 1-800-822-2113.

MEDIA CONTACT:   Wanda Murren, (717) 783-1621

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us