Posted: | October 30, 2023 01:54 PM |
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From: | Representative Frank Burns |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Easing restrictions on mortuary inspectors |
Pennsylvania’s funeral homes are evaluated and inspected by trained mortuary inspectors. However, we have just four inspectors statewide to assess complaints and verify that hundreds of licensed facilities are operating appropriately. Current law – established in 1952 – requires candidates for the inspector position to have at least 10 years of experience as a funeral director in order to apply. This requirement significantly restricts the pool of applicants for a vital role. Recently, an open inspector position in Philadelphia sat vacant for more than a year despite multiple job postings, forcing just three inspectors to cover the entire state. That’s why I plan to introduce legislation to lower the minimum years of experience needed to become a mortuary inspector from 10 years to five years. Inspectors would continue to receive training from the Department of State prior to working as an inspector. Reducing this requirement would increase the pool of potential inspectors while still assuring the public that they are experienced in the funeral industry. Please join me in sponsoring this legislation to ensure Pennsylvania has enough mortuary inspectors to assure that our funeral homes are operating safely and effectively. |
Introduced as HB1819