Montana Board of Funeral Service Update By Jim Axelson, Chair, Montana State Board of Funeral Service The Board of Funeral Service held its third quarterly meeting on July 14 in Helena with all members and appropriate department staff in attendance. No public comment was received regarding the scheduled agenda items. State Policy Analyst Erin Sullivan provided the board with an update on her work on Title 37, Chapter 19. After a lengthy presentation and discussion, the board instructed Ms. Sullivan to proceed with the proposed legislative changes, including the practices and procedures governing alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction. Department representative William Coggins provided the board with an update on the state’s apprenticeship program. The state is currently working on a hybrid of the program that would encompass not only apprenticeship skills but also time enrolled in the apprenticeship program. Mr. Coggins is currently working with Glen Disque of the Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program to refine best practices for accomplishing this in the most beneficial manner. Licensing Bureau Chief Kevin Bragg reported to the board that the training sessions that he conducted with Commissioner Sarah Swanson throughout the state had gone extremely well. He was not aware of any particular licensing issues that had come to his attention as concerns the board. He did mention that there have been discussions at various levels about sunsetting or consolidating some boards within the state. Given recent instances of malpractice and criminal activity by funeral service practitioners in other states, he doubted the sunset issue would be a concern for our board. Agency Counsel Aleea Sharp provided the board with an overview of SB 305, which would demand compliance with prudent investor rules. Trust funds held within the state are currently audited, but there appears to be a gap between their being held and the exact way they are being funded. The bill would seek to close that gap. Executive Officer Susie Osborne provided an overview of the board’s finances, current licenses held in the state, training and seminars, and legislative information. The board’s ability to allow abatement of licensing fees will continue to be reviewed annually. At this time, the abatement process has not had a detrimental impact on the board’s finances. The board was sorry to learn that the crematory representative, Mr. Ralph Mihlfeld, had decided not to seek reappointment. Ralph has been instrumental in the board’s work, and we are all deeply grateful for his time and his expertise. The board presented him with a plaque and our best wishes for the future. As one door closes, another opens, and we are very excited that the Governor’s Office has appointed Mr. Lee Darlington of Darlington Cremation and Burial Service as the crematory operator representative to the board. He joins Lisa Sokoloski as the newest member of the board. The next full board meeting will be held in Helena on Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. at the board office at 301 S. Park Ave. As always, please feel free to contact Executive Officer Susie Osborne at (406) 841-2359 or me at (406) 490-4264 with any questions or concerns. Your comments are always welcome. DIRECTORS DIGEST | 19
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