10/26/2018 1:34 pm
Date / Time filed with the Register of Regulations 		VA.R. Document Number: R____-______
Virginia Register Publication Information

Transmittal Sheet: Response to Petition for Rulemaking
Initial Agency Notice
X
Agency Decision
Promulgating Board: Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers
Regulatory Coordinator: Elaine J. Yeatts

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Agency Contact: Corie Tillman Wolf

Executive Director

(804)367-4479

fanbd@dhp.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health Professions

9960 Mayland Drive

Suite 300

Richmond, VA 23233
Chapter Affected:
18 vac 65 - 30: Regulations for Preneed Funeral Planning
Statutory Authority: State: Chapter 28 of Title 54.1

Federal:
Date Petition Received 08/06/2018
Petitioner Jessica Watkins
 Petitioner's Request
To amend regulations for preneed contracts to prevent circumstances, such as the closure of a funeral establishment, that result in the loss of funding for a family member's funeral.
 Agency Plan
The petition will be published on September 3, 2018 in the Register of Regulations and also posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall to receive public comment ending Octber 2, 2018. The matter will be on the Board's agenda for its first meeting after the comment period, which is scheduled for October 16, 2018.  The petitioner will be informed of the Board's decision after that meeting.
Publication Date 09/03/2018  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 10/02/2018
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 10/26/2018
 Agency Decision Text
At its meeting on October 16, 2018, the Board considered the petition and the comments posted on Townhall. The Board is convening a workgroup to look at issues relating to preneed contracts, and the request and comments will be included in the information that group considers. At this time, the decision is not to initiate rulemaking in response to the petition, but the workgroup will address the problem of defaulting on prepaid services and consider whether there are solutions that could protect other families.