CURRENT EVENTS

CURRENT EVENTS

IN MEMORIAM

Mr. Windell Daniels

1947 - 2008

Photograph by Greg Wolf

Used by permission of StarNewsOnline.com

(July 18, 2008)

1- Actions and results from the July 16 Board meeting:

Approved the final draft of the licensed guidelines document. The final draft can be viewed by following this link.
Following some text edits approved proposed changes to the Board's administrative rules: 21 NCAC 34A, 21 NCAC 34B, 21 NCAC 34C, and 21 NCAC 34D as recommended by the Laws, Rules and Legislation Committee. Those drafts will be posted here next week.
Reviewed and approved the audit report for fiscal 2007.

2- The next Board meeting will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at the Board offices 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605.

3- The North Carolina Crematory Authority will meet 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at the Board offices. The agenda for that meeting can be viewed by following this link. There will be one seat available for election to the Crematory Authority this year. The 3 year term will begin January 1, 2009. Nominations open on July 1 and will close August 1. A nomination petition can be downloaded by following this link.

4- The Board will hold a preneed review 9a.m. -12 noon on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at the Board offices. Seating is limited to the first 25 people registered. Those interested in attending can register by sending the registration fee of $25.00 to the Board office by Tuesday July 22. The class is approved for 3 hours of CE credit.

5- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(July 11, 2008)

1- The Board will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at the Board offices 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605. The agenda can be viewed by following this link.

2- The North Carolina Crematory Authority will meet 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at the Board offices. The agenda for that meeting will be posted here at a later date. There will be one seat available for election to the Crematory Authority this year. The 3 year term will begin January 1, 2009. Nominations open on July 1 and will close August 1. A nomination petition can be downloaded by following this link.

3- The Board will hold a preneed review 9a.m. -12 noon on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at the Board offices. Seating is limited to the first 25 people registered. Those interested in attending can register by sending the registration fee of $25.00 to the Board office by Tuesday July 22. The class is approved for 3 hours of CE credit.

4- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(June 26, 2008)

1- The next Board meeting dates will be July 16 & 17 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27606. The primary purpose of the meetings will be to hold disciplinary hearings, however there will be some business conducted and the agenda will be posted here at a later date.

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

3- The Board will hold a preneed review on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at the Board offices. Seating is limited to the first 25 people registered. Those interested in attending can register by sending the registration fee of $25.00 to the Board office by Tuesday July 22. The class is approved for 3 hours of CE credit.

4- The North Carolina Crematory Authority will meet 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at the Board offices. The agenda for that meeting will be posted here at a later date.

5- There will be one seat available for election to the Crematory Authority this year. The 3 year term will begin January 1, 2009. Nominations open on July 1 and will close August 1. A nomination petition can be downloaded by following this link.

(June 20, 2008)

1- Actions and Results of the June 18th Board meeting:

Approved recommendation from the preneed committee:
1. When contracts are registered with insurance funding that is 100% or greater than the funeral expenses, the Board staff will request a copy of the assignment to ensure the consumers protection is evident. Wording: Assignment as the Funeral Home’s interest may appear at the death of the insured and delivery of services and merchandise as recorded on the preneed statement of goods and services selected.
2. A 1^st/2^nd to died policy should not be used to fund a preneed contract and should be sent back by the staff.
Approved the recommendation of the CE committee:
1. On embalming programs: admit to and give CE credit for all licensees in cases when the presentation is a recorded program. Only embalmers, funeral service licensees or trainees registered for those disciplines will be allowed in live demonstrations.
2. Online computer based CE programs: Increase limit on this type to 2 hours.

2- The next Board meeting dates will be July 16 & 17 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27606. The primary purpose of the meetings will be to hold disciplinary hearings, however there will be some business conducted and the agenda will be posted here at a later date.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(June 13, 2008)

1- The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The agenda may be viewed by following this link. The Board also has scheduled hearings for Thursday June 19th.

2- The North Carolina Crematory Authority will hold a meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday July 23, 2008 at the Board offices.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(June 6, 2008)

1- The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The agenda will be posted online next week. The Board also has scheduled hearings for Thursday June 19th.

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(May 30, 2008)

1- The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The Board also has scheduled hearings for Thursday June 19th.

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(May 23, 2008)

1- The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The Board also has scheduled hearings for Thursday June 19th.

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

3- The "Related Links" page of the website has been updated with links to the Federal Trade Commission, Centers for Disease Control and Office of Administrative Hearings (for NC Administrative Code)

4- THE BOARD OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, MAY 26 IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY.

(May 16, 2008)

1- Actions and Results of the May 14th Board meeting:

Issued a Resolution of Sorrow and Appreciation of Service for Windell Daniels.
Referred two requests by NCFDA to the Continuing Education committee: 1- to review the Board's policy on allowing funeral directors to attend CE programs related to embalming and 2- to explore increasing the credit allowed for web based or online programs and courses.
The Laws Rules and Legislation committee reported comments on the guidelines document were received and will be considered in preparing the next draft.
The Traineeship committee reported comments on the proposed supervisor certification program were received wand will be considered in preparing the next draft.
The Clinics committee reported the next clinic will be held on Tuesday, August 5 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. Presenters will be representatives form Carolina Donor Services, The NC Eye Bank, NC Vital Records and Board staff.
The staff reported on the meeting with the NC Medical Board and NC Vital Records on the difficulties licensees are having in getting death certificates signed by the attending physician.
Staff also reported on a conversation with Carolyn McClanahan, Chief of Recipient Services for the Division of Medical Assistance, NC DHHS. Ms. McClanahan stated she agreed that social workers in the jurisdictions should not be requiring funeral home's to own policies funding pre-need since an alternative irrevocable assignment was available per the Adult Medicaid Manual.
The Board approved the dissolution of Nixon MBA and Joyner's MBA of Farmville.
Set the next meeting dates for June 18 & 19.

2- As part of the discussion with Ms. McClanahan with the Division of Medical Assistance, she asked the staff to begin tracking the counties and locations where funeral homes are being told by social workers they have to own the policies funding pre-need contracts. Licensees who are experiencing this should contact Paul Harris at 800-862-0636, wpharris@ncbfs.org , or by fax at 919-733-8271.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(May 9, 2008)

1- The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at the Board offices,1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The agenda may be viewed by following this link.

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(May 2, 2008)

1- The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at the Board offices,1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The agenda for that meeting will be posted here next week. Hearings are also scheduled for Thursday, May 15 at the Board offices.

2- The Board has published two documents to the interested parties list. The trainee supervisor certification program draft which can be viewed by following this link. The other document is the draft of the updated guidelines document which can be viewed by following this link. Comments should be submitted in time for consideration by the Board at the May meeting. These can be sent to Paul Harris at the Board's mailing address in section 1, emailed to wpharris@ncbfs.org , or by fax at 919-733-8271.

3- - Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(April 24, 2008)

IMPORTANT CHANGE OF LOCATION FOR MR. DANIELS' WAKE:

The service will now be held Friday at Kenan Auditorium at UNCW from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The funeral service remains scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Wilmington.

(April 23, 2008)

1- The Board is saddened to report the death of member Mr. Windell Daniels of Wilmington. Mr. Daniels died suddenly Tuesday night in Wilmington. UPDATED AND REVISED FUNERAL INFORMATION: Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Saturday (not 12 noon as originally scheduled) at the Union Missionary Baptist Church, 2711 Princess Place Drive, Wilmington. A wake will be held 6 p.m. Friday night at the Thalian Hall Center for The Performing Arts, 310 Chestnut Street, Wilmington.

2- Actions and Results of the Board meeting on April 16:

Approved an advisory memorandum regarding funeral home ownership of insurance policies funding preneed contracts and directed the staff to continue efforts to obtain a response from State Medicaid officials. The memorandum will be sent to all pre-need establishments and can be viewed by following this link.
Reviewed a draft of and approved changes to the updated guidelines document. The Board also directed this be published for comment to the interested parties list. The draft incorporating the changes will be completed next week and a copy will also be placed online for the convenience of visitors to this page.
Reviewed a draft of the proposed trainee supervisor certification program and directed that document be published for comment to the interested parties. This document can be viewed by following this link.

3- The Board staff will be meeting with representatives of the NC Medical Board and NC Vital Records to discuss resolutions to delays in filing of death certificates caused by difficulty in obtaining physician signatures on the certificates.

4- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(April 11, 2008)

1- The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at the Board offices,1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The agenda for that meeting can be viewed by following this link.

2- The Board staff will be meeting with representatives of the NC Medical Board and NC Vital Records to discuss resolutions to delays in filing of death certificates caused by difficulty in obtaining physician signatures on the certificates.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(March 28, 2008)

1- The deadline for filing of preneed annual reports is Monday, March 31.

2- The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at the Board offcies,1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The Board will also meet Thursday, April 17 for hearings.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(March 20, 2008)

1- Actions and Results of the Board meeting on March 19:

Approved a motion to delay action on a policy advisory regarding funeral home ownership of insurance policies funding preneed contracts in order to allow additional time for a response from State Medicaid officials and for all members to be present.
Approved for the staff to plan two, one day clinics- one held at Fayetteville Technical Community College (tentatively scheduled for November) and one held in the late summer.
Directed the staff to conduct research on new rules proposed by the NC Rules Review Commission.
Approved a motion that in the event a preneed establishment cannot obtain the death benefit for policies funding pre-need contracts they will be allowed to report the face amount for the purposes of completing the 2007 preneed annual report. This was done as a result of complications in getting some insurance companies to comply with the requirement enacted with Session law 2007-531 before the report filing deadline of March 31, 2008.

2- The next Board meeting will be Wednesday., April 16, 2008 at the Board offcies,1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The Board will also meet Thursday, April 17 for hearings.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

4- THE BOARD OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY, MARCH 21 IN OBSERVANCE OF GOOD FRIDAY.

(March 14, 2008)

1- The next meeting of the Board will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The agenda for that meeting may be viewed here. The April meeting will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 with Thursday, April 17 for hearings.

2- Link's on the Rules & Laws page of the Board's website are now directed to the General Assembly's website for laws and to the Office of Administrative Hearings website for the Administrative Code (21 NCAC 34 Rules).

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(March 7, 2008)

1- The next meeting of the Board will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The agenda for that meeting will be posted here next week. The Board has scheduled disciplinary hearings for 9 a.m. Thursday, March 20 also at the Board offices. The April meeting will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 with Thursday, April 17 for hearings.

2- The staff of the General Assembly recently finished updating the Board's statutes to reflect the changes enacted with Session Law 2007-531. The link's on the Rules & Laws page of the Board's website are now directed to the General Assembly's website for laws and to the Office of Administrative Hearings website for the Administrative Code (21 NCAC 34 Rules).

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(February 26, 2008)

1- The staff of the General Assembly recently finished updating the Board's statutes to reflect the changes enacted with Session Law 2007-531. The link's on the Rules & Laws page of the Board's website are now directed to the General Assembly's website for laws and to the Office of Administrative Hearings website for the Administrative Code (21 NCAC 34 Rules).

2- The next meeting of the Board will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The Board has scheduled disciplinary hearings for 9 a.m. Thursday, March 20 also at the Board offices. The April meeting will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 with Thursday, April 17 for hearings.

3- On Thursday, February 21, 2008 the North Carolina Rules Review Commission approved the proposed changes to 21 NCAC 34B (continuing education rules) The effective date of these changes is March 1, 2008. Please follow this link to the final approved text.

4- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(February 22, 2008)

1- The next meeting of the Board will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The Board has scheduled disciplinary hearings for 9 a.m. Thursday, March 20 also at the Board offices. The April meeting will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 with Thursday, April 17 for hearings.

2-FRAUD ALERT!!!! The Board has received a new report of attempted fraud using the relay (TDD) operator purportedly assisting an individual who is hearing impaired. The person making contact wants to arrange the transportation and funeral services for a family member who has died outside of the United States. So far the countries identified by this person are either the United Kingdom or Nigeria. The individual requests a reply with the cost for the services and funeral merchandise and offers to provide a credit card number for the purchase. The individual then directs the funeral home to arrange a wire transfer of money to the burial agent or funeral director in the United Kingdom or Nigeria and charge the credit card for that as well. The credit card numbers appear to be from stolen cards. This has also been reported in South Carolina.

The names used for the supposed family members or for the deceased are: Linda Ben or Larry Ben, Tracy Foryes and Michael Foryes, Davis Cole and Doris Fatmells, Arlene Helen Moore and Michael Moore.

The names used for the overseas burial agent/funeral director are: Patrick Mulcahy in the United Kingdom and Rafiu Olawuyi in Lagos, Nigeria and Emmanuel Omine in Nigeria.

4- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(February 15, 2008)

1- Actions and Results of the meeting on February 13:

Deferred action on issuing a policy advisory regarding funeral home ownership of insurance policies that fund preneed contracts until a response is received from State Medicaid officials.
Approved technical corrections for proposed changes to 21 NCAC 34B (continuing education rules).
Discussed a fall clinic at Fayetteville Technical Community College which would be broadcast to two other locations in the state.
Set the meeting dates for March and April (see item #2 below) since there were conflicts with meeting on the second Wednesday of those months.
Directed the staff to draft a letter to the NC Medical Board and the State Vital Records office detailing continuing and growing difficulty licensee are experiencing obtaining physicians signatures on death certificates.

3-SCAM ALERT!!!! The Board has received a new report of attempted fraud.

The method of contact has varied. In some cases, funeral homes are contacted by a relay (TDD) operator purportedly assisting an individual who is hearing impaired. In some cases the funeral homes are contacted by emails or faxes. The person making contact wants to arrange the transportation and funeral services for a family member who has died outside of the United States. So far the countries identified by this person are either the United Kingdom or Nigeria. The individual requests a reply with the cost for the services and funeral merchandise and offers to provide a credit card number for the purchase. The individual then directs the funeral home to arrange a wire transfer of money to the burial agent or funeral director in the United Kingdom or Nigeria and charge the credit card for that as well. The credit card numbers appear to be from stolen cards. This has also been reported in South Carolina.

The names used for the supposed family members or for the deceased are: Linda Ben or Larry Ben, Tracy Foryes and Michael Foryes, Davis Cole and Doris Fatmells, Arlene Helen Moore and Michael Moore.

The names used for the overseas burial agent/funeral director are: Patrick Mulcahy in the United Kingdom and Rafiu Olawuyi in Lagos, Nigeria and Emmanuel Omine in Nigeria.

4- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(February 8, 2008)

1- The next meeting of the Board will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The agenda for that meeting can be viewed by following this link. The Board has scheduled disciplinary hearings for 9 a.m. Thursday, February 14 also at the Board offices.

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

3- The Board is considering a written advisory to preneed funeral establishments concerning funeral home ownership of policies funding preneed contracts. The Board is seeking comment on this issue and the matter will be placed on the agenda for the February 13, 2008 meeting. Those wishing may forward comments by February 12, 2008. These can be sent to the attention of Paul Harris, Executive Director via mail: 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605; by email: wpharris@ncbfs.org or by fax: 919-733-8271.

(February 1, 2008)

1- The next meeting of the Board will be Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue. Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065. The agenda for that meeting will be posted here next week. The Board has scheduled disciplinary hearings for 9 a.m. Thursday, February 14 also at the Board offices.

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(January 18, 2008)

1- The next meeting of the Board will be Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue. Suite 108 Raleigh, NC 27065.

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

3- 2008 RENEWALS-

Licenses expire December 31, 2007 and must be renewed on or before February 1, 2008 to avoid disciplinary action.
Licensees can check their CE hours by following this link to the Directory page. The easiest way to do this is to enter your license number or only your last name. Please keep in mind CE hours recently obtained may not be entered as yet.

4- The Board is considering a written advisory to preneed funeral establishments concerning funeral home ownership of policies funding preneed contracts. The Board is seeking comment on this issue and the matter will be placed on the agenda for the February 13, 2008 meeting. Those wishing may forward comments by February 12, 2008. These can be sent to the attention of Paul Harris, Executive Director via mail: 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605; by email: wpharris@ncbfs.org or by fax: 919-733-8271.

The Board offices will be closed Monday, January 21, 2008 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

(January 11, 2008)

1- Results of the January 9th Board Meeting

Received President Mark Blake's goals for 2008: transition of the Laws & Rules examination to computer based format, develop the trainee supervisor certification, review insurance CE courses, complete the update of the guidelines for licensed and unlicensed funeral home employees, and plan Board retreat.
Adopted the 2008 meeting schedule and calendar. Please follow this link to view the calendar.
Approved a 2.5% interest rate to be applied to pre-need recovery fund claims paid in 2008
Discussed circumstances when a funeral home is owner of insurance policies funding pre-need contracts. Deferred action pending publication to invite comment from interested parties.
Gave final approval for changes to 21 NCAC 34B (continuing education rules)

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

3- 2008 RENEWALS-

Licenses expire December 31, 2007 and must be renewed on or before February 1, 2008 to avoid disciplinary action.
Licensees can check their CE hours by following this link to the Directory page. The easiest way to do this is to enter your license number or only your last name. Please keep in mind CE hours recently obtained may not be entered as yet.

(January 4, 2008)

1- The next Board meeting will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605. The meeting agenda can be viewed by following this link. The Board is also scheduled to meet for disciplinary hearings on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at the Board offices.

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

3- 2008 RENEWALS-

Licenses expire December 31, 2007 and must be renewed on or before February 1, 2008 to avoid disciplinary action.
2008 Renewal applications have been mailed. If you have not received one, please contact the Board office. DO NOT wait until the end of January to request another. You may also access renewal forms online by following this link to the Applications page.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 90-210.23(d) make certain you inform the board of any change in mailing address. In the interest of security, the notice should be in a signed, written format.
Licensees can check their CE hours by following this link to the Directory page. The easiest way to do this is to enter your license number or only your last name. Please keep in mind CE hours recently obtained may not be entered as yet.

(December 28, 2007)

1- 2008 RENEWALS-

Licenses expire December 31, 2007 and must be renewed on or before February 1, 2008 to avoid disciplinary action.
2008 Renewal applications have been mailed. If you have not received one, please contact the Board office. DO NOT wait until the end of January to request another. You may also access renewal forms online by following this link to the Applications page.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 90-210.23(d) make certain you inform the board of any change in mailing address. In the interest of security, the notice should be in a signed, written format.
Licensees can check their CE hours by following this link to the Directory page. The easiest way to do this is to enter your license number or only your last name. Please keep in mind CE hours recently obtained may not be entered as yet.

2- The next Board meeting will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605. Then Board is also scheduled to meet for disciplinary hearings on Thursday, January 10, 2008, also at the Board offices. The agenda for those meetings will be posted here next week.

3- The Board offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 for the New Year's Day holiday.

(December 21, 2007)

1-The next Board meeting will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605.

2- 2008 RENEWALS-

Licenses expire December 31, 2007 and must be renewed on or before February 1, 2008 to avoid disciplinary action.
2008 Renewal applications have been mailed. If you have not received one, please contact the Board office. DO NOT wait until the end of January to request another. You may also access renewal forms online by following this link to the Applications page.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 90-210.23(d) make certain you inform the board of any change in mailing address. In the interest of security, the notice should be in a signed, written format.
Licensees can check their CE hours by following this link to the Directory page. The easiest way to do this is to enter your license number or only your last name. Please keep in mind CE hours recently obtained may not be entered as yet.

3- The period to submit written comment on proposed changes to the continuing education rules (21 NCAC 34B) expired December 14, 2007.

4- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

5- The new forms, BFS-56E Physicians Statement for cremation of fetal remains under 20 weeks gestation and BFS-56F Physicians statement for cremation of amputated body parts are now available in Word document version on the applications page. You may access these forms by following this link to the Applications page.

Interactive PDF versions of these forms will be posted soon.

6- DECEMBER HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: The Board offices will be closed December 24, December 25, and December 26 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. The staff extends wishes to all for a safe and joyous Christmas.

(December 14, 2007)

1- Results of the December 12, 2007 Board meeting:

The Board adopted the 2008 budget
The Board elected officers for 2008 as follows: Mark Blake- President, Larry Andrews- Vice President, J. T. Willoughby, III as Secretary

2- The next Board meeting will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2007 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605.

3- The period to submit written comment on proposed changes to the continuing education rules (21 NCAC 34B) expires December 14, 2007. The changes may be viewed by following this link. Written comments may also be submitted to the attention of Paul Harris, Executive Director. They can be mailed to NCBFS, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605, transmitted via facsimile to 919-733-8271 or transmitted via email to wpharris@ncbfs.org.

4- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

5- 2008 RENEWALS-

Licenses expire December 31, 2007 and must be renewed on or before February 1, 2008 to avoid disciplinary action.
2008 Renewal applications have been mailed. If you have not received one, please contact the Board office. DO NOT wait until the end of January to request another. You may also access renewal forms online by following this link to the Applications page.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 90-210.23(d) make certain you inform the board of any change in mailing address. In the interest of security, the notice should be in a signed, written format.
Licensees can check their CE hours by following this link to the Directory page. The easiest way to do this is to enter your license number or only your last name. Please keep in mind CE hours recently obtained may not be entered as yet.

6- DECEMBER HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: The Board offices will be closed December 24, December 25, and December 26 in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

(December 6, 2007)

1- The next Board meeting will be held 9 a.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605. The agenda for that meeting may be viewed by following this link. The Board is also scheduled to meet for hearings on Thursday, December 13, 2007.

2- The period to submit written comment on proposed changes to the continuing education rules (21 NCAC 34B) expires December 14, 2007. The changes may be viewed by following this link. Written comments may also be submitted to the attention of Paul Harris, Executive Director. They can be mailed to NCBFS, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605, transmitted via facsimile to 919-733-8271 or transmitted via email to wpharris@ncbfs.org.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

4- 2008 RENEWALS-

Licenses expire December 31, 2007 and must be renewed on or before February 1, 2008 to avoid disciplinary action.
2008 Renewal applications have been mailed. If you do not receive one by December 10, 2007, please contact the Board office. DO NOT wait until the end of January to request another. You may also access renewal forms online by following this link to the Applications page.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 90-210.23(d) make certain you inform the board of any change in mailing address. In the interest of security, the notice should be in a signed, written format.
Licensees can check their CE hours by following this link to the Directory page. The easiest way to accomplish this is to enter your license number or only your last name. Please keep in mind CE hours recently obtained may not be entered as yet.

(November 21, 2007)

1- The next Board meeting will be held 9 a.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605. The Board is also scheduled to meet for hearings on Thursday, December 13, 2007.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

4- THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:

The Board offices will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23. The staff extends its best wishes for a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

(November 16, 2007)

1- Results of the November 14 Board meeting:

The Board held a public hearing to receive comment on proposed changes to the CE rules (21 NCAC 34B). There were no comments made. The period to submit written comment expires December 14, 2007. The changes may be viewed by following this link. Written comments may also be submitted to the attention of Paul Harris, Executive Director. They can be mailed to NCBFS, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605, transmitted via facsimile to 919-733-8271 or transmitted via email to wpharris@ncbfs.org.
Adopted as standing policy that notification will be sent to the Department of Social Services serving the county where the pre-need establishment is located when the Board issues a revocation order when the contract beneficiary has moved out of North Carolina and has executed a pre-need contact with a funeral home in their new home state.
Reviewed changes recommended by the NC Crematory Authority to the drafts of physician's statement forms for cremation pursuant to the recently enacted laws related to cremation of fetal remains and amputated body parts. The drafts were approved with one addition to the fetal remains form.
Canvassed the ballots for the Crematory Authority elections. Jay Roberts and Peter M. Burke were re-elected to three year terms beginning January 1, 2008.

2- The next Board meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605. The Board is also scheduled to meet for hearings on Thursday, December 13, 2007.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

4- THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:

The Board offices will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23.

(November 9, 2007)

1- The next Board meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 14,2007 at the Board office. The agenda for that meeting can be viewed by following this link. The Board is also scheduled to meet for hearings on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

2-The Board will canvass ballots for the Crematory Authority elections at 11 a.m. on November 14, 2007

3- The Board has submitted an application for rulemaking to amend the CE rules (21 NCAC 34B). The changes may be viewed by following this link. A public hearing to receive comment will be held November 14, 2007 at 9 a.m. to coincide with the Board meeting. Written comments may also be submitted to the attention of Paul Harris, Executive Director. They can be mailed to NCBFS, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605, transmitted via facsimile to 919-733-8271 or transmitted via email to wpharris@ncbfs.org. The deadline for written comments is December 15, 2007.

4- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

5- NOVEMBER HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:

The Board offices will be closed Monday, November 12, 2007 in observance of Veteran’s Day. The offices will also be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23.

(November 2, 2007)

1-The next Board meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 14,2007 at the Board office. The Board is also scheduled to meet for hearings on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

2-The Board will canvass ballots for the Crematory Authority elections at 11 a.m. on November 14, 2007

3- The Board has submitted an application for rulemaking to amend the CE rules (21 NCAC 34B). The changes may be viewed by following this link. The Office of Administrative Hearings has notified the Board the amended text will be published in the North Carolina Register on October 15, 2007. Pursuant to North Carolina law, this will begin a 60 day period for written comments to be submitted. In addition the Board must hold a public hearing to receive comments. That hearing is scheduled for November 14, 2007 at 9 a.m. to coincide with the Board meeting. Written comments may be submitted to the attention of Paul Harris, Executive Director. They can be mailed to NCBFS, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605, transmitted via facsimile to 919-733-8271 or transmitted via email to wpharris@ncbfs.org.

4- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(October 10,2007)

1- Results of the October 3 Board meeting:

Approved revised exam registration and license application forms
Received a report from Laws, Rules & Legislation committee regarding work on updating and revising the Board's guideline's for which duties require a license.
Reviewed drafts of physician's statement forms for cremation pursuant to the recently enacted laws related to cremation of fetal remains and amputated body parts. The Board gave approval pending reviewer by the Crematory Authority. (PLEASE SEE ITEM 2 BELOW)

2- The NC Crematory Authority will meet via teleconference at 9 a.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2007 to review the forms mentioned in item "1c" in the preceding section. The Board offices at 1033 Wade Ave., Suite 108, Raleigh, NC will be used as the host site for the teleconference. This is a public meeting and those wishing to attend are invited to do so at the Board offices. The agenda for that meeting may be viewed here.

3- The next Board meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 14,2007 at the Board office. The Board is also scheduled to meet for hearings on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

4- The Board set 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 14, 2007 to canvass ballots for the Crematory Authority elections. All ballots must be received at the Board offices no later than 4:30 p.m., November 1, 2007.

5- The Board has submitted an application for rulemaking to amend the CE rules (21 NCAC 34B). The changes may be viewed by following this link. The Office of Administrative Hearings has notified the Board the amended text will be published in the North Carolina Register on October 15, 2007. Pursuant to North Carolina law, this will begin a 60 day period for written comments to be submitted. In addition the Board must hold a public hearing to receive comments. That hearing is scheduled for November 14, 2007 at 9 a.m. to convinced with the Board meeting. Written comments may be submitted to the attention of Paul Harris, Executive Director. They can be mailed to NCBFS, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605, transmitted via facsimile to 919-733-8271 or transmitted via email to wpharris@ncbfs.org.

6- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(October 5, 2007)

1- The Board's fall CE clinic will be held Monday, October 8, 2007 at the McKimmon Center on the campus of NCSU. The clinic is approved for 5 hours of continuing education credit. Registration will be from 8 – 9 a.m.

The registration fee will be $ 35.00

Mark Chambers and Tom Taaffe will speak on development of the SMORT program from 9 – 10 a.m.

A review of the recently enacted legislation will be held from 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.

Lunch will be from 11:45- 1:30

Doug Howard will speak on current operations of US Military Mortuary Affairs from 1:30 – 3:45 p.m.

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(September 28, 2007)

1- The next Board meeting will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 3, 2007 in the President's Board Room located in the Tony Rand Student Center, 2201 Hull Road on the campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville. The agenda for that meeting can be viewed at this link.

2- The Board's fall CE clinic will be held Monday, October 8, 2007 at the McKimmon Center on the campus of NCSU. The clinic is approved for 5 hours of continuing education credit. Registration will be from 8 – 9 a.m.

The registration fee will be $ 35.00

Mark Chambers and Tom Taaffe will speak on development of the SMORT program from 9 – 10 a.m.

A review of the recently enacted legislation will be held from 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.

Lunch will be from 11:45- 1:30

Doug Howard will speak on current operations of US Military Mortuary Affairs from 1:30 – 3:45 p.m.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(September 21, 2007)

The registration fee will be $ 35.00

Mark Chambers and Tom Taaffe will speak on development of the SMORT program from 9 – 10 a.m.

A review of the recently enacted legislation will be held from 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.

Lunch will be from 11:45- 1:30

Doug Howard will speak on current operations of US Military Mortuary Affairs from 1:30 – 3:45 p.m.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(September 14, 2007)

1- Results of the Board meeting held on September 12, 2007

The Board approved the newly drafted pre-need verification form.
Approved the revocation of two preneed contracts for persons that have moved from North Carolina and have entered preneed contracts in their new home states. (This was done under the authority of the preneed laws that changed as a result of the recently enacted legislation.) The Board also directed copies of the revocation orders be sent to the Department of Social Services in the counties where the North Carolina preneed establishments are located.
Directed the staff to begin research on publication of new law books with emphasis on using loose leaf binders so future law and rule changes can be distributed licensees more quickly. The staff is expanding the content of the law books to include other laws and rules effecting licensees that have not been included in prior editions of the law books.
Approved the ballot for the 2007 Crematory Authority elections. As part of that action the Board directed the ballots to be mailed on October 1, 2007, and will be received at the Board offices no later than 4:40 p.m. November 1, 2007. The ballots will be canvassed in the Board room at 11:00 a.m. on November 14, 2007.

2- The next Board meeting will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 3, 2007 in the President's Board Room located in the Tony Rand Student Center, 2201 Hull Road on the campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville. The agenda for that meeting will be posted at a later time.

3- The Board's fall CE clinic will be held Monday, October 8,2007 at the McKimmon Center on the campus of NCSU. The clinic is approved for 5 hours of continuing education credit. Speakers will be Mark Chambers and Tom Taaffe on development of the SMORT program and Doug Howard on current operations of US Military Mortuary Affairs. In addition the law changes effective with the recently enacted legislation will be reviewed.

4- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(September 5, 2007)

1-The next Board meeting will be held 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at the Board offices 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605. The Board is also scheduled to meet 9 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2007 for disciplinary matters and other business that may come before the Board. The agenda may be viewed by following this link.

2- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(August 31, 2007)

1- Governor Easley signed S1435 into law today. The text of the law changes can viewed by following this link. http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2007/Bills/Senate/HTML/S1435v5.html

2- The next Board meeting will be held 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at the Board offices 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605. The Board is also scheduled to meet 9 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2007 for disciplinary matters and other business that may come before the Board. The agenda will be posted next week.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

4- The Board offices will be closed Monday, September 3, 2007 in observance of Labor Day.

(August 24, 2007)

1- Results of the Board meeting held on August 8, 2007

The Board accepted the 2006 audit report as prepared by Boyce-Fur, CPA’s. In addition there were some suggestions made by the auditors and those were also approved.
As of the August meeting about 75% of pre-need annual reports for 2006 have been reviewed. The Board staff has tabulated the total dollar amounts for trust accounts and insurance proceeds reported as of December 31, 2006. Total value of trust funded pre-need contracts: $ 143,567,624.00. The total value of insurance funded pre-need contracts: $ 743,188,451.00.
Approved the Crematory Authority recommendation to notifying crematory operators regarding compliance with NC Air Quality standards and potential for exposure to hazardous radioactive materials used in some medical treatments. Please follow this link to view the document.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(August 3, 2007)

1- The next Board meeting will be held 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 8,2007 at the Board offices 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605. The agenda for that meeting can be viewed here. The Board is also scheduled to meet 9 a.m. Thursday for disciplinary matters and other business that may come before the Board.

2- Senate Bill 1435 has been ratified by the General Assembly and awaits the Governor's signature. The full text of the bill can be viewed at this link.

3- Please follow this link for the most current CE programs.

(July 18, 2007)

1- Nominations for election to the NC Crematory Authority are now open. The terms of two members, Peter Burke and Jay Roberts, will expire December 31, 2007. This election will be held for two three year terms to begin January 1, 2008. Mr. Burke and Mr. Roberts are eligible for re-election should they decide to seek nomination.

The deadline for submission of the original completed petition is August 1, 2007. Petitions may be hand delivered to the Board offices, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605 by 5:00 p.m. on August 1, 2007 or may be mailed, postmarked no later than August 1, 2007. A petition for nomination may be downloaded here.

2- For the most current CE courses, please follow this link.

3- June 26 Meeting-

The Board received the exam committee report on the computer based pathology examination. The international Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards will be ready to implement the computer based version on July 1,2007.
The General Counsel reported that the Board recovered nearly $ 10,000.00 in hearing expenses and re-reimbursement to the pre-need recovery fund.
Report on Mutual Burial Associations as of December 31, 2007: 82 MBA’s operating with a total of 76,217 members.
Board member William H. Manson, Jr. was presented with a gift and Resolution in Appreciation of Service

(July 12, 2007)

1- The Board will meet to hold disciplinary hearings beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday July 18, 2007 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Ave., Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605. The agenda may be viewed by following this link.

2- The NC Crematory Authority will meet at 10 a.m. Monday July 16, 2007 at the Board offices. The agenda may be viewed by following this link.

3- For the most current CE courses, please follow this link.

(July 6, 2007)

1- The Board will meet to hold disciplinary hearings beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday July 18, 2007 at the Board offices, 1033 Wade Ave., Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605.

2- With the passage of the temporary budget bill, the General Assembly also delayed the reduction of the state sales tax rate until August 1, 2007.

3- The NC Crematory Authority will meet at 10 a.m. Monday July 16, 2007 at the Board offices.

4- For the most current CE courses, please follow this link.