Recent Observations During Compliance Inspections

If your funeral establishment or crematory receives a notice from the Department, it means a compliance inspection will take place within the next six months. These inspections are always unannounced, so the best way to approach them is to be prepared in advance. The following is not an exhaustive list of items that will be reviewed during a compliance inspection. Rather, the information below highlights common trends and observations identified during recent compliance inspections. Crematory Premises: …

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New Remembering A Life Conversation Cards Introduced to Help Funeral Professionals Work With Families to Plan Meaningful Funerals

Suite of Conversation Cards Now Covers Every Step of the Journey: Preplanning, Funeral Planning and Aftercare Remembering A Life, the consumer education initiative of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), has introduced two new decks of conversation cards that funeral directors can use to inspire the families they serve to plan meaningful tributes to loved ones. Remembering A Life Funeral Planning Conversation Cards are brand new to the Remembering A Life Conversation Card suite. These …

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AZDHS October Meeting Notes and Consolidated Draft Rules

AFCCA is sharing the following update from the Arizona Department of Health Services regarding the ongoing Human Remains Rulemaking process. The meeting notes from the October 2, 2025, Workgroup Meeting have been posted. In addition, the consolidated draft rules for the Human Remains Rulemaking, which include Articles 1 through 4, are now available for review. An online survey is open through November 9, 2025, giving all industry professionals the opportunity to provide input and ensure …

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Notice of Comments and Department’s Responses for September Draft of Article 4

The Bureau of Licensing for Professions & Occupations (BLPO), has posted Comments about September Draft for Article 4 and Department Responses on the Administrative Counsel & Rules Active Rulemakings webpage for Human Remains (Funeral Board Incorporation). The comment/response document includes the Department’s responses to feedback submitted through the public surveys that closed on September 14, 2025 and October 5, 2025.  These responses are being shared to help licensees understand how the feedback was considered and …

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AFCCA Membership & Supplier Partner Dues Change Effective January 1, 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, AFCCA membership dues will transition to a new structure. After careful review, the Board voted to adopt a Progressive Per-Location Model with a cap. This model ensures fairness, transparency, and predictable budgeting for all members. Current Dues (through December 31, 2025): Individual: $198 Government: $360 Small Business (1): $360 Multi Business (2): $600 Large Multi (3): $1,320 Combination Large (4–6): $1,800 Large Corporations (7+): $4,200 New Dues (effective January 1, 2026): Individual: …

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Recent Observations During Compliance Inspections

If your funeral establishment or crematory receives a notice from the Department, it means a compliance inspection will take place within the next six months. These inspections are always unannounced, so the best way to approach them is to be prepared in advance. The following is not an exhaustive list of items that will be reviewed during a compliance inspection. Rather, the information below highlights common trends and observations identified during recent compliance inspections. Recent Trends …

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Equip Veterans to Plan Ahead with NCA Resources

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) invites you to support Plan Today, Honor Forever — a national campaign raising awareness of VA burial and memorial benefits while encouraging early planning. Too often, Veterans and their families miss out on these important benefits simply because they don’t know they exist. Planning ahead eases the burden on loved ones, ensures final wishes are honored, and helps families access the benefits they’ve earned. Give Veterans Confidence to Make Decisions …

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Contact Information for Funeral Services Licensing in Arizona

At AFCCA, we want to make sure our members have the right tools and resources at their fingertips. Recently, we learned that some funeral professionals are still trying to reach the former Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers — an agency that no longer exists — for licensing questions. To avoid confusion and delays, here’s what you need to know: Oversight Has Moved Since June 2023, all Funeral Services Licensing in Arizona has …

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Notice of Revised Draft Rules and Feedback Opportunity

On behalf of the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Bureau of Licensing for Professions and Occupations (BLPO), AFCCA is sharing important updates regarding the Human Remains (Funeral Board Incorporation) rulemaking drafts. Following the recent survey (which closed September 14, 2025), BLPO reviewed your feedback on Article 4 rules, which cover licensure and operation requirements for crematories. Updates have been made to the draft based on the comments received. To review the updated draft rules, …

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Share Your Feedback on the Updated Accreditation and Policy Manual

Since the 2025 Annual Conference, the Committee on Accreditation (COA) has devoted countless hours to a major update of the Accreditation and Policy Manual. While the Manual has seen minor tweaks and additions over the past decade, this is the first time it has undergone a complete, cover-to-cover review. Why This Update Matters The goal of this project was not just to tidy things up, but to make the Manual more useful and accessible for …

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