AZDHS Releases Updated Draft Rules for Article 3 – Feedback Requested by August 17

he Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) Bureau of Licensing has released updated draft rules for Article 3, following the July 1, 2025, Funeral Workgroup Meeting. These revisions reflect input gathered during the meeting and through the public survey that closed on July 6. Key Updates: Meeting notes from the July 1 Workgroup Meeting are now available. The revised draft of Article 3 has been posted. A new online survey is now open to collect …

Read more

Statement of Deficiencies with a Plan of Correction (POC)

Statements of Deficiencies are only sent via email from the Licensing Management System (noreplyelicensing@azdhs.gov) to the email address of record for a facility or individual. If you receive a Statement of Deficiencies with an option to submit a Plan of Correction (POC), please ensure the submitted POC includes specific details outlining the steps the facility and/or responsible individual have taken or will take to resolve each of the cited violation(s).  The POC should include policies, …

Read more

AFCCA Legislative Update – July 25, 2025

Provided by Capitol Consulting, LLC After a tense 169-day session marked by a record number of vetoes, the Legislature adjourned Sine Die on Friday, June 27 at 1:20 p.m., narrowly avoiding a government shutdown. Lawmakers passed a total of 438 bills, 174 of which were vetoed by Governor Hobbs, who wielded her veto stamp more actively than ever. The Legislature introduced three separate budgets during the session. House Republicans proposed two of them independently of …

Read more

Department Communications

AZDHS has received feedback that some Licensees are overlooking emails related to inspections, resulting in important messages being missed. Please note that all emails from the Licensing Management System (noreplyelicensing@azdhs.gov) contain critical information and should be read in full. The email address you entered in the Licensing Management System is used for all license-related communications, which may include time-sensitive requirements or requests regarding your license. Please ensure you regularly check your inbox (including your spam …

Read more

AFCCA Legislative Update – July 11, 2025

Provided by Capitol Consulting, LLC The Arizona Legislature Adjourned Sine Die on Friday, June 27th and has completed its work for its 57th legislative session! Please note that we will send out a final legislative report summary that will be distributed within a couple weeks! The November 2026 election is 16 months away, but already three ballot issues await voters. State lawmakers referred three questions for voters to decide in 2026: a limit on food …

Read more

Inspection Trends

The Department has sent GovDelivery emails (azhealth@public.govdelivery.com) to crematories and establishments that are due for a compliance inspection within the next six months. This email provides current trends relating to crematory and establishment compliance inspections. By highlighting these findings, we aim to promote transparency, support best practices, help all licensees maintain high standards of compliance, and prepare for their upcoming inspections. Below are the current trends for establishments and crematories: Crematories Premises: Common concerns include …

Read more

AFCCA Legislative Update – June 27, 2025

Provided by Capitol Consulting, LLC Day 166: In the House and Senate,1724 bills have been introduced, with 130 memorials and resolutions introduced, 394 bills passed, 169 bills vetoed, 32 memorials and resolutions passed, and 225 bills signed. AFCCA Bill Tracking: The Dept of Health Services and Pima County provisions impacting AFCCA on HB2065 were amended onto SB1048 which is now dead as the Senate failed to take action prior to Sine Die. SB1048 allows a …

Read more

Consumer Guides

Both the English and Spanish consumer guides are available to download and print. Please ensure to use the current versions. Posted on behalf of theAZDHS Bureau of Licensing for Professions & Occupations

Beyond Tradition: 2025 AFCCA Annual Conference Recap

As the funeral and cemetery industry evolves, professionals must navigate the delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing progress. That’s why this year’s 15th Annual Arizona Funeral Cemetery and Cremation Association Conference centered around the theme: Beyond Tradition: Shaping the Future of Funeral Service Throughout the event, we explored the latest innovations, ethical business practices, and impactful strategies transforming our profession. From technology and employee engagement to FTC compliance and the growing demand for personalization, …

Read more

Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) and Alkaline Hydrolysis Reminder

The rules implementing NOR and alkaline hydrolysis are not yet in effect. These services cannot legally be offered at this time. If you plan to contract or are currently contracting with a third-party to provide NOR or alkaline hydrolysis, you must make this explicitly clear in any advertising, marketing materials, and the establishment’s General Price List. Posted on behalf of theAZDHS Bureau of Licensing for Professions & Occupations