Major Victory for NFDA and Funeral Service: U.S. EPA Finds Formaldehyde Used for Embalming Is Not Regulated Under the Toxic Substances Control Act

NFDA to host free member webinar on March 27 about the draft risk assessment. Earlier today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its draft of its determination of the health and environmental risks of formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for comment and peer review. NFDA and funeral service secured a major victory when the draft risk assessment indicated that formaldehyde used for embalming would not be subject to regulations under TSCA. …

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New Legislation Introduced to Ease Funeral Expenses for Families

Families facing the unexpected loss of a loved one may find relief in new legislation introduced in the House of Representatives today. Endorsed by the National Funeral Directors Association, the “Funeral Coverage Act of 2024,” introduced by Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), would designate funeral expenses as a qualified expense eligible for coverage under Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This means that families that have saved money for healthcare expenses can use those funds for funeral and …

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AFCCA Advocacy Updates March 13, 2024

The Senate President has insisted that inspections will revert to a five-year interval, as opposed to the current two-year period written into HB2140. There will not be a separate license for Alkaline Hydrolysis; instead, it will be included under the existing cremation license. This applies irrespective of the location of the cremation process. There will also need to be an amendment to define cremation to include Alkaline Hydrolysis. HB2140 successfully passed through the rules on …

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AFCCA Advocacy Updates February 27 – HB2140

As of February 26, HB2140 continues to move through the Senate, and you can review the latest version via this link: House Engrossed Version – HB2140. However, it seems we’ll need to make some adjustments, according to the Senate President’s guidance. HB2140 has been assigned to the Senate Finance and Commerce Committee, and Courtney LeVinus (AZ Capitol Consulting) intends to  engage with committee members and brief them on the importance of this legislation. In recent communications …

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Forge Your Path: NFDA Accepting Applications for Prestigious National Emerging Leaders Program

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is accepting applications for the 2024-25 National Emerging Leaders Program. This program, which has nurtured 38 funeral service professionals, helps talented individuals cultivate and enhance the skills, abilities and characteristics necessary to effectively lead in their business, their community, and state and national organizations. “The National Emerging Leaders Program promotes the collaboration of like-minded funeral directors who desire to make a difference in a leadership role,” said Victoria Martin …

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Understanding Biohazard Cleanup: Navigating Trauma Scenes with Professional Care

Sponsored AFCCA Supplier Partner Article Many homeowners are unaware that their insurance policies typically include coverage for Biohazard Cleaning. This coverage is often found in the comprehensive section of the policy, categorized under medical emergencies. In instances of biohazard situations, such as those involving deceased individuals, the homeowner’s insurance policy generally covers the cost of professional biohazard cleanup and odor treatment for both the immediate area and, in most cases, the entire house if decomposition …

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Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s Noel Pratt Wins Mark Hornibrook Scholarship: A Beacon of Excellence in Mortuary Science

In an announcement on February 14, 2024, the Funeral Service Foundation proudly shared that over $165,000 in scholarships were awarded in the latter half of 2023 for academic and professional development within the funeral service field. Among the distinguished recipients, Noel Pratt from Glendale, Arizona, a dedicated student of the Mortuary Science program at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, stood out by being honored with the Mark Hornibrook Memorial Scholarship, amounting to $2,500. This accolade is not …

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Celebrating Contributions: NFDA to Accept Nominations for 2024 Inspiration Award, Acknowledging Outstanding Female and Non-binary Professionals in Deathcare

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) will accept nominations for its second annual Inspiration Award from January 15 through February 16, 2024. This annual recognition is conferred on an exceptional female or non-binary individual who has made noteworthy professional contributions to funeral service or a related field. The honoree will be announced during the 2024 Professional Women’s Conference in Savannah, Georgia, April 28-30, 2024. NFDA is grateful to National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) for sponsoring …

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AFCCA Advocacy Updates January 11

Our clean up bill from last year’s legislation, HB2140,  has been introduced and will be sponsored by Rep. Hendrix.  Courtney LeVinus joined our January Board of Directors meeting to provide an update. Page 4 of her slide deck shows the key points of cleanup in the bill. The board feels strongly that we do need to keep the state exam as a requirement, even if it’s very basic, standard questions that every licensee should know. …

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Self Care for Funeral Professionals During the Holidays

Between family obligations, work commitments and winter weather, the holiday season brings a  stressful experience. Take some time for yourself next week and join the virtual December Funeral Professionals Peer Support meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT. Long nights, family obligations and the strain of a busy workplace are often the hallmarks of this festive month — but a connection with your fellow …

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