KANSAS STATE BOARD OF MORTUARY ARTS

700 SW JACKSON, SUITE #904

TOPEKA, KANSAS 66603-3733

Thursday, October 6, 2005

FORMAT OF MINUTES:

On each motion there appear the names of two board members in a parenthesis. The first named made the motion, and the second named made the second. Ayes and Nays will be recorded at a voter’s request.

Thursday, October 6, 2005:

I. The regularly scheduled meeting of the Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts (KSBMA) was called to order by President Melissa Wangemann.

The Oath of Office was administered to new board member William H. “Bill” Young by Vice President Bedene. Mr. Young was appointed to the board by Governor Kathleen Sebelius on August 29, 2005 to replace Stephen C. Ryan, Salina, licensee. Mr. Young’s term will expire as of July 31, 2008. Mr. Young was welcomed to the board by all in attendance. The board noted appreciation for the contributions and service of Mr. Ryan.

Roll call by Executive Secretary Mack Smith found the following board members in attendance: President Melissa A. Wangemann, Topeka, consumer; Vice President Barry W. Bedene, Arma, licensee; Board Member Charles R. Smith, Overland Park, consumer; Board Member Fred G. Holroyd, Topeka, licensee; and William H. “Bill” Young, Lake Quivira, licensee. The board’s Executive Secretary, Mack Smith was in attendance.

The board noted this meeting’s tentative agenda that is displayed on the agency’s website at: http://www.accesskansas.org/ksbma/ under the heading of Agency Information and Tentative Board Agenda. That agenda was updated on the web site today.

(C. Smith-Holroyd) To approve a final agenda for this meeting as amended. Carried.

(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the July 7, 2005 regularly scheduled board meeting minutes as amended. Now that they have been approved by the board, these minutes will be displayed on the board’s website.

The board reviewed results of the written funeral directors’ examination administered on July 7, 2005 noting that 93% (13 of 14 applicants) were successful and reviewed information provided by examinees on the “Exit” application from this funeral director examination (which allows an opportunity for applicants to express their thoughts on the examination and examination process.) It was decided that the responses provided by examinees did not require board action.

The board reviewed the ‘List of Licensure Applicants’ scheduled to interview with the board at this meeting, noting the following applicants scheduled to meet with the board: four (4) embalmer-funeral directors, two (2) embalmers, and five (5) funeral directors. Two (2) funeral director applicants will be retaking the examination. A total of eleven (11) applicants are scheduled to be administered the written funeral directors' examination in conjunction with this meeting.

II. The board reviewed individual applications for embalmer and funeral director licensure along with the executive secretary’s summations of the applicant’s apprentice and supervising licensee progress reports. Applicants for licensure will be interviewed later in this meeting. Funeral director applicants will be administered the written funeral directors' examination by Funeral Home Inspector Francis Mills at 1:30 p.m. later this afternoon in the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Tower.

The board reviewed the third quarter progress reports of an apprentice embalmer-funeral director and supervising licensees. Following review and discussion it was decided that no action was necessary.

All additional quarterly progress reports of embalmer/funeral director apprentices and supervising licensees were summarized by the executive secretary and discussed by the board with copies of the written reports available for review.

lll. Legal Discussion: Individual Complaints/investigations are listed numerically. The board did not necessarily take action in the order listed below:

Complaint and correspondence information and discussion:

The board reviewed correspondence resulting from action taken at the meeting of July 7, 2005.

Information on open complaints:

The Board’s Investigative Committee, which is composed of Board Members

Wangemann and Bedene with legal assistance provided by Assistant Attorney General (litigation) Steve Phillips and administrative assistance by Executive Secretary Smith, met on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 to discuss all open complaints. Investigative Committee recommendations are included with the individual complaints.

#05-23–Following review of correspondence:

(Bedene-C. Smith) To close the file. Carried. The licensee was notified that better communication could have alleviated some of the concerns of the family. The complaint involves at-need funeral charges of the funeral home for services not provided. Based on information provided, no violations of laws regulated by the KSBMA appear to have occurred.

#05-24– Following review of correspondence:

(Bedene-C. Smith) To close the file. Carried. The complaint involves at-need funeral home charges. Based on information provided, no violations of laws regulated by the KSBMA appear to have occurred.

#05-25–Following review of correspondence:

(Bedene-C. Smith) To close the file. Carried. The consumer was notified that the funds in question were appropriately deposited. The complaint involves the failure of the funeral home to provide verification of deposit to the family on a prefinanced funeral agreement. The individual with the prefinanced funeral agreement died shortly after the complaint was filed. The family selected a different funeral home to handle the arrangements. The prefinanced funeral money was released by the financial institution in order to pay the funeral home that provided at-need funeral services. Based on information provided, no violations of laws regulated by the KSBMA appear to have occurred.

#05-28–Following review of correspondence:

(Bedene-C. Smith) To close the file. Carried. The KSBMA notified the licensee of a better way to handle the situation. The complaint involves the mishandling of a prefinanced funeral agreement at the time of death for an individual who was receiving assistance. Based on information provided, no violations of laws regulated by the KSBMA appear to have occurred.

#05-30–At the July 7, 2005 meeting, the board adopted the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to request prosecution by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. The complaint involves a licensee being convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. The board’s Investigative Committee is currently in the process of working with this case.

#05-33–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to notify the funeral home that pursuant to KAR 63-3-17 the funeral director should have provided the family with a copy of the written price statement at the time funeral arrangements were made or before providing merchandise or services. Carried. While the board realizes the statement was offered to the family, it should have been provided none the less. The complaint involves unprofessional conduct and contractual violations.

#05-35–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to close the file. Carried. This complaint was filed with the Consumer Protection/AntiTrust Division of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

Board member Young left the room.

#05-36–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to notify the funeral home that it appears as though a violation of KAR 63-3-17 has occurred. It appears as though the family should not have been charged for the casket in question, and a refund is in order. This complaint involves charges for merchandise not appropriately authorized by the family.

Board member Young returned to the room.

#05-37–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to close the file. Carried. This complaint involves concerns regarding an at-need funeral bill involving the Funeral Assistance Program of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS). The complaint was filed with the Consumer Protection/Antitrust Division of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

#05-38–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to notify both parties that no violations of laws regulated by the board appear to have occurred. Carried. The complaint deals with unauthorized embalming and unprofessional conduct.

#05-39–Later during this meeting the board will be considering this assistant funeral director application of an applicant convicted of a felony. Following the meeting in the afternoon, the file was closed.

#05-40–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to close the file. Carried. The complaint involves the placing of misleading information on death certificates. The case was closed due to the failure of the complainant to provide requested additional information.

#05-41–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to notify the crematory that they are in violation of KAR 63-7-2 (c) and need to adjust their record keeping system immediately. Carried. The inspector will check to ensure that the appropriate changes are made. The complaint involves concerns of a funeral home with the cremation process used by a crematory.

#05-42–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to inform the funeral home that they should not have accepted the check on behalf of the family from the bank. Carried. This action has contributed to an overpayment of $1,400.00 not being sent to the Estate Recovery Unit of the Division of Health Care Policy and Finance. The complaint involves a possible overpayment of approximately $1,400.00 paid to the family instead of the Estate Recovery Unit (ERU) of the Division of Health Care Policy & Finance (formerly SRS.)

#05-43–Later during this meeting the board will consider the license renewal of this embalmer-funeral director who had his Nebraska funeral director license suspended.

#05-44–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to close the file. Carried. The complaint involves unprofessional conduct–apparently with a Missouri funeral home.

#05-45–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to remind the licensee of the provisions in KSA 65-1734 concerning the order of priority of persons authorized to dispose of decedent remains. Carried. The complaint involves legal next-of-kin issues.

#05-46–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to close the file. Carried. The complaint involves questions regarding several prefinanced funeral agreements.

#05-47–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to notify both parties that no violations of laws regulated by the board appear to have occurred. Carried. The licensee will be notified that clearer communication may have avoided the situation from occurring. The complaint concerns a prefinanced funeral agreement and conduct of a licensee.

#05-48–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to advise the licensee that clearer communication would have avoided the situation from occurring. Carried. The complaint concerns misleading information contained in a newspaper article.

#05-49–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to notify both parties that no violations of laws regulated by the board appear to have occurred. Carried. The complaint involves the handling of remains and authorization/charges for embalming.

#05-50–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to notify both parties that no violations of laws regulated by the board appear to have occurred. Carried. The complaint involves the handling of remains and authorization/charges for embalming.

#05-51–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to advise the funeral home that any future violations will result in licensure action by the board. Carried. The complaint involves the failure of a funeral home to submit the May and June 2005 monthly death reports to the Office of Vital Statistics (OVS.)

#05-52–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to advise the funeral home that any future violations will result in licensure action by the board. Carried. The complaint involves the failure of a funeral home to submit the May and June 2005 monthly death reports to the Office of Vital Statistics (OVS.)

#05-53–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to advise the funeral home that any future violations will result in licensure action by the board. Carried. The complaint involves the failure of a funeral home to submit the May and June 2005 monthly death reports to the Office of Vital Statistics (OVS.)

#05-54–(Bedene-C. Smith) To adopt the recommendations of the Investigative Committee to advise the funeral home that any future violations will result in licensure action by the board. Carried. The complaint involves the failure of a funeral home to submit the May 2005 monthly death report to the Office of Vital Statistics (OVS.)

#05-55–No action necessary at this time. Waiting on additional information before investigating.

#05-56–No action necessary at this time. Waiting on additional information before investigating.

#05-57–No action necessary at this time.

IV. Board Interviews with Applicants for Licensure:

Embalmer-Funeral Director Applicant: Mr. Robert J. Bethea, Jr.

(Wangemann-Bedene) To grant an embalmer license upon completion of apprenticeship and payment of an initial license fee of $24.00 and to grant a funeral director license upon completion of apprenticeship, payment of an initial license fee of $8.00 and passing of the written funeral director examination, which will be administered later today. Carried. Mr. Bethea is scheduled to complete his apprenticeships on November 19, 2005 at Lakeview Funeral Chapel in Wichita, Kansas. Once issued, the renewal date for the licenses would be February 28, 2006. Mr. Bethea attended Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, Bakersfield Community College in Bakersfield, California and earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Mortuary Science at Kansas City Kansas Community College in Kansas City, Kansas.

Embalmer Applicant: Mr. Joshua T. Bowen

(Young-Holroyd) To grant an embalmer license upon completion of apprenticeship and payment of an initial license fee of $30.00. Carried. Mr. Bowen is scheduled to complete his apprenticeship on October 19, 2005 at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville, Kansas. Once issued, the renewal date for the license would be February 28, 2006. Mr. Bowen attended Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas and earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Mortuary Science at Kansas City Kansas Community College in Kansas City, Kansas. He was granted a Kansas funeral director license on April 12, 2004.

Funeral Director Applicant: Mr. Donald D. Crisp

(Bedene-Holroyd) To grant a funeral director license upon completion of apprenticeship, payment of an initial license fee of $10.00 and passing of the written funeral director examination, which will be administered later today. Carried. Mr. Crisp is scheduled to complete his apprenticeship on November 18, 2005 at Hillside Funeral Home East in Wichita, Kansas. Once issued, the renewal date for the license would be March 31, 2006. Mr. Crisp earned an Associate of Arts degree at Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas, a Bachelor of Arts degree at Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska and a Master of Theology Degree and Doctor of Theology Degree at Trinity College and Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana. He earned a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling at the Christian Bible College and Seminary in Independence, Missouri.

Embalmer-Funeral Director Applicant: Ms. Angela Hayes

(C. Smith-Holroyd) To grant an embalmer license upon payment of an initial license fee of $66.00 and to grant a funeral director license upon payment of an initial license fee of $22.00 and passing of the written funeral director examination, which will be administered later today. Carried. Ms. Hayes completed her apprenticeships at Larrison Mortuary in Pratt, Kansas. Once issued, the renewal date for the licenses would be August 31, 2006. Ms. Hayes attended Pratt Community College in Pratt, Kansas and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Funeral Service at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, Texas.

Embalmer Applicant: Ms. Gwendelrae Hicks

(Bedene-C. Smith) To extend the apprenticeship until the January 12, 2006 board meeting requiring fifth quarter progress reports and individual embalming case reports for each case embalmed. Carried.

Embalmer-Funeral Director Applicant: Mr. Torrance K. Jackson

(Bedene-Holroyd) To grant an embalmer license upon completion of apprenticeship and payment of an initial license fee of $78.00 and to grant a funeral director license upon completion of apprenticeship, payment of an initial license fee of $26.00 and passing of the written funeral director examination, which will be administered later today. Carried. Mr. Jackson is scheduled to complete his apprenticeships on October 13, 2005 at Jackson Mortuary in Wichita, Kansas. Once issued, the renewal date for the licenses would be October 31, 2006. Mr. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Clark Atlanta University and earned an Associate of Science Degree in Funeral Service at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, Georgia.

Embalmer-Funeral Director Applicant: Mr. Sean D. Myers

(Young-Bedene) To grant an embalmer license upon completion of apprenticeship and payment of an initial license fee of $90.00 and to grant a funeral director license upon completion of apprenticeship, payment of an initial license fee of $30.00 and passing of the written funeral director examination, which will be administered later today. Carried. Mr. Myers is scheduled to complete his apprenticeships on November 12, 2005 at Lakeview Funeral Home in Wichita, Kansas. During the course of apprenticeship, Mr. Myers was also employed at Smith Mortuary in Derby, Kansas and Day Funeral Home and Crematory in Wellington, Kansas. Once issued, the renewal date for the licenses would be January 31, 2007. Mr. Myers attended Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City, Kansas and earned a Certificate of Completion, which is the equivalent of an Associate Degree, in Funeral Service at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Funeral Director Applicant: Ms. Lindsey J. (Ward) Haas

(Bedene-C. Smith) To grant a funeral director license upon payment of an initial license fee of $80.50 and passing of the written funeral director examination, which will be administered later today. Carried. Ms. Haas completed her apprenticeship at McGilley and Frye Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Olathe, Kansas. Once issued, the renewal date for the license would be August 31, 2006. Ms. Haas attended Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kansas and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mortuary Science at Kansas City Kansas Community College in Kansas City, Kansas.

Funeral Director Applicant: Mr. Bobby D. Meacham

Applicant failed to appear. The board directed Executive Secretary Smith to contact the applicant to notify him of the January 12, 2006 meeting.

Funeral Director Applicant: Mr. Merlin R. Hull, Jr.

(Bedene-C. Smith) To grant a funeral director license upon payment of an initial license fee of $22.00 and passing of the written funeral director examination, which will be administered later today. Carried. Mr. Hull completed his apprenticeship at Cochran Mortuary in Wichita, Kansas. Once issued, the renewal date for the license would be August 31, 2006. Mr. Hull earned an Associate of Arts degree in Mortuary Science at Kansas City Kansas Community College in Kansas City, Kansas. He was granted a Kansas embalmer license on April 7, 1988. He served an additional quarter of funeral directing apprenticeship as was directed by the Board at their meeting of July 7, 2005.

Funeral Director Applicant: Mr. Loren J. Schleining

(Bedene-C. Smith) To grant a funeral director license upon payment of an initial license fee of $42.00, completion of apprenticeship and passing of the written funeral director examination, which will be administered later today. Carried. Mr. Schleining is scheduled to complete his apprenticeship on October 19, 2005 at Lakeview Funeral Home in Wichita, Kansas. He served three quarters of his apprenticeship at Hawks Funeral Home in Wellington, Kansas. Once issued, the renewal date for the license would be July 31, 2007. Mr. Schleining attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agribusiness at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma.

The board recessed for lunch in the Jayhawk Tower Restaurant.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. Executive Secretary Smith read instructions to the funeral director examinee applicants prior to the administration of the funeral director examination which was proctored by Funeral Home Inspector Francis Mills in the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Tower. The results of that examination are a part of these minutes.

V. Public Regulation Hearing over proposed amendments to K.A.R. 63-4-1

A public hearing was called to order by President Wangemann beginning at 1:45 p.m. to discuss proposed amendments to K.A.R. 63-4-1. There was no one in attendance from the general public.

A copy of the letter dated August 26, 2005 resulting from the August 23, 2005 meeting of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations was made a part of the public record. Copies of this letter were distributed to all those in attendance at the public hearing and will be made a part of these minutes.

(Bedene-Holroyd) To approve the amendments of K.A.R. 63-4-1 as proposed. Carried.

The roll call vote was as follows:

K.A.R.Wangemann Bedene C. Smith Holroyd Young

63-4-1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

(Holroyd-C. Smith) To close the public hearing. Carried.

VI. Assistant Funeral Director Applicant: Autumn D. Williams

Assistant Attorney General Mary Feighny entered the meeting.

Applicant Williams entered the meeting along with licensed funeral director Mary Thomas, Ms. Williams’ employer. Following discussion between Ms. Williams and the board:

(C. Smith-Young) To recess into executive session until 2:55 p.m. with Executive Secretary Smith for client-attorney discussion. Carried.

The board reconvened at 2:55 p.m.

(Bedene-Holroyd) To grant Ms. Williams assistant funeral director application upon payment of initial licensure fees. Carried. File #05-39 can be closed.

VII. Embalmer-Funeral Director Renewal Applicant: James L. Schmidt

Mr. Schmidt entered the meeting. Following discussion between Mr. Schmidt and the board:

(Holroyd-Bedene) To recess into executive session until 3:25 p.m. with Executive Secretary Smith for client-attorney discussion. Carried.

The board reconvened at 3:25 p.m.

(Bedene-C. Smith) To grant the license renewal and suspend the embalmer-funeral director licenses for six months. Carried (3-2: Bedene, C. Smith and Young–Yes; Wangemann-Holroyd–No.) A board order will be issued. Suspension for six months.

VIII. Board Business:

1) (Bedene-C. Smith) To approve the quarterly lists of continuing education. Carried. One list contains correspondence/home study programs. Both of these lists of approved continuing education programs are regularly updated and are available on the board’s web site on the internet and are mailed to licensees not having internet access on a quarterly basis.

2) (Bedene-Young) To approve the list of lapsed licenses as amended. Carried. The list is a part of these minutes and contains the names of individuals whose license renewals are past due for longer than six months or who have requested that their licenses be dropped. Licensees who have died during the past quarter are also included on this list for informational purposes.

3) The board reviewed the list of automatically suspended licenses. This list contains the names of individuals who have not paid their license renewal fees by the appropriate due date and have not requested that their licenses be dropped. Once a license is six months in arrears, it is then automatically placed on the lapsed license list for purposes of being dropped.

4) (Bedene-Young) To approve the first quarter (July 1-September 30, 2005) Report of the Funeral Home/Crematory Inspector, Francis F. Mills. Carried.

5) Reviewed the current roster of apprentice embalmers and funeral directors. A total of 41 apprentices are currently registered with the board.

6) Discussion of news articles relating to the funeral profession that have been provided to board members and legal counsel for their review. President Wangemann discussed situations involving three Kansas cemeteries.

7) Reminder of 2006 Board meeting dates–Meeting dates for 2006: January 12, April 13, July 13, and October 12.

8) The board signed travel vouchers and licenses.

9) Press releases regarding the July board meeting Election of Officers were reviewed.

10) Information regarding a possible Attorney General Opinion Request regarding the coroner’s permit to cremate by Johnson County Coroner Dr. Robert L. Prosser, Jr.–The Attorney General’s Office responded with a letter, rather than a formal opinion, stating that the current statute requires all bodies cremated in Kansas are subject to a Coroner’s Authorization to Cremate Permit–regardless of where death occurred.

11) Updated Board Member Information was reviewed and verified.

12) The Board reviewed a thank you note from a consumer who had filed a complaint.

13) The Board reviewed and discussed the assessment letters sent to identified Kansas licensees by the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR.)

IX. Executive Secretary's Report:

1) Budget Update–The board reviewed action taken by the 2005 Kansas Legislature:

a) The KSBMA FY 2005 budget limitation was $247,971. FY 2005 expenditures totaled $207,655, representing a savings of $40,316.

b) The FY 2006 budget approved by the legislature is $248,127 (in section 46 of Senate Substitute for House Bill 2482) which is down $2,027 from the amount previously approved by the Governor ($250,154.)

Including the addition of $5,926 from the Board’s Kansas Savings Incentive Plan (KSIP), the adjusted FY 2006 requested expenditure limitation would be $254,053–pending approval by the Governor and 2006 Kansas Legislature.

c) The FY 2007 budget approved by the legislature is $249,080, defined in section 68 of Senate Bill 225, which is down $246 from the amount previously approved by the Governor of $249,326. An enhancement request of $10,577 in FY 2007 for the replacement of the agency’s only car was denied. The status of state automobiles is scheduled to be reviewed by the Kansas Legislature. The budget request of $261,580 for FY 2007 includes $12,500 for the replacement of the agency’s automobile. Again, this enhancement must be approved by Governor Sebelius and the 2006 Kansas Legislature.

2) Updated information regarding the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB.)

a) Information in the most recent newsletter (volume 16, issue 1–2nd edition 2005) was discussed.

b) (Bedene-C. Smith) To allow Executive Secretary Smith to attend the District 5 and 7 Meeting. Carried.

3) Updated information on the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR) was discussed.

a) Information in the form of a written report provided by Executive Secretary Smith from the recent Annual CLEAR Conference was reviewed and discussed.

4) Updated information regarding the Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards (FARB.)

5) Updated information on the Kansas Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association (KFDA.)

a) Assistant Funeral Director Task Force–Information from the meeting of August 11, 2005 meeting was discussed including results from the association’s survey of their members.

b) Government Relations/Legislative Committee–A written report was provided by Executive Secretary Smith. This committee has made recommendations to the KFDA Board of Directors regarding the AFD Task Force.

c) Fall District Meetings–Executive secretary Smith provided a KSBMA update at the business portion of the meetings. Written reports of the presentation and the business meeting were provided by Mr. Smith.

6) Information on the board’s Web Site, located at: http://www.accesskansas.org/ksbma/, continues to be updated on a regular basis. Items added to the KSBMA Web Site since the July 7, 2005 meeting include:

a) A new feature, titled The Consumer Corner has been added:

http://www.accesskansas.org/ksbma/consumercorner.html

b) A new feature, titled: The Licensee Question of the Month has been added:

http://www.accesskansas.org/ksbma/licenseequestionofthemonth.html

Executive Secretary Smith explained the process of on-line license renewals. The agency is in the process of implementing on-line renewals which will tentatively be completed toward the latter part of 2006.

7) The board discussed information from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) including their recent annual convention.

8) The board discussed the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Funeral Rule, including:

a) An advisory letter regarding cash advances.

9) Updated information for the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), including:

a) Dr. Michael Smith has been hired as the ABFSE’s Executive Director to replace the retiring George P. Connick, Ph.D as of March 1, 2006. The office will be moved to St. Joseph, Missouri from its current location in Portland, Maine.

b) The ABFSE is considering compiling a funeral director only curriculum.

c) An updated (as of June 2005) roster of approved mortuary colleges was reviewed and discussed.

10) Updated information from the Cremation Society of North America (CANA) was discussed. Including their June/July 2005 newsletter.

11) Updated information from the Funeral Ethics Association (FEA) was discussed, including:

a) Newsletter number IV, volume VI, Minding Their Business.

12) Updated information from the Funeral Consumer Alliance (FCA) and the Funeral Consumer’s Alliance of Greater Kansas City was discussed, including the Summer 2005 Newsletter from the national group.

13) Updated information from the Funeral Ethics Organization (FEO) was discussed, including the Summer 2005 Newsletter.

14) Updated information from the American Society of Embalmers (ASE) was discussed, including their first national convention held October 2, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.

15) The Practicum II Manual from Kansas City Kansas Community College was reviewed and discussed.

16) Presentations:

a) KFDA 2005 Fall District Meetings Business Session

b) Autonomous Board Roundtable at the 2005 CLEAR Annual Convention

17) The board reviewed the updated Kansas Largest Corporations Listing.

X. Adjourn

(Bedene-Holroyd) To adjourn–subject to recall by the president, vice president or executive secretary. Carried.

Respectfully submitted:

Mack Smith, Executive Secretary

Melissa A. Wangemann, President