Survey of State Regulators - Regulation of Crematories

U.S. Government Accountability Office

Contents

(Return to main page)

Introduction

Welcome to GAO's Survey of State Regulators - Regulation of Crematories.

At the request of Congress, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is reviewing federal and state regulation of the death care industry. This survey instrument, covering crematories, will help us gather information on how your state (1) regulates the death care industry; (2) enforces its rules, regulations, and laws; and (3) provides consumer protections. Please note that the focus of the survey instrument is on the regulations and consumer protections that are specific to the death care industry and not on public health or environmental regulations. You have received this survey because you have been identified as the proper point of contact within your state for addressing questions related to regulation of crematories.

Because we are collecting comparable information from all 50 states, we encourage you to respond to this survey so that we can have an accurate and complete accounting of the regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms that are in place for addressing the death care industry in all 50 states.

To learn more about completing the survey, printing your responses, and whom to contact if you have questions, _____.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

(View question)

Contact Information

Name of state: _____

Please enter the following information in the event we need to clarify a response.

(View question)

Name:

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

Title:

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

Years with office/agency:

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

Name of office/agency:

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

E-mail address:

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

Phone number:

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

State Regulations on Crematories

1. Other than rules or regulations that generally apply to all businesses, does your state have rules or regulations in place that specifically address crematories?

(View question)

State Other than rules or regulations that generally apply to all businesses, does your state have rules or regulations in place that specifically address crematories?
Yes - Continue
with question 2.		 No

No response

Alabama X    
Alaska   X  
Arizona X    
Arkansas X    
California X    
Colorado X    
Connecticut X    
Florida X    
Georgia X    
Hawaii   X  
Idaho X    
Illinois X    
Indiana X    
Kansas X    
Kentucky X    
Louisiana X    
Maine X    
Maryland   X  
Massachusetts   X  
Minnesota X    
Mississippi X    
Montana X    
Nebraska X    
Nevada X    
New Mexico X    
New York X    
North Carolina X    
North Dakota X    
Oklahoma X    
Oregon X    
Rhode Island X    
South Carolina X    
South Dakota X    
Texas X    
Virginia X    
Washington X    
West Virginia X    
Wisconsin X    
Wyoming X    
Number Responding 35 4 0

2. What type of entity do you represent that regulates crematories in your state?

(View question)

State What type of entity do you represent that regulates crematories in your state?
A board or commission unaffiliated with a state agency - Continue with question to 2a. A board or commission that operates within a state agency - Continue with question to 2a. A state agency An association No entity is specifically assigned to regulate crematories. Other - Please specify below, then click on link below to skip to question 3.
Alabama   X        
Arizona     X      
Arkansas     X      
California           X
Colorado     X      
Connecticut     X      
Florida   X        
Georgia   X        
Idaho   X        
Illinois     X      
Indiana   X        
Kansas     X      
Kentucky     X      
Louisiana   X        
Maine     X      
Minnesota     X      
Mississippi   X        
Montana   X        
Nebraska     X      
Nevada   X        
New Mexico   X        
New York   X        
North Carolina X          
North Dakota     X      
Oklahoma   X        
Oregon   X        
Rhode Island   X        
South Carolina   X        
South Dakota   X        
Texas     X      
Virginia   X        
Washington   X        
West Virginia X          
Wisconsin     X      
Wyoming   X        
Number Responding 2 19 13 0 0 1

If "other" selected, please briefly describe your entity here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

2a. How many membership positions are authorized for your board or commission?

(View question)

State Number of authorized
membership
positions
Alabama 7
Alaska  
Arizona  
Arkansas  
California  
Colorado  
Connecticut  
Florida 10
Georgia 7
Hawaii  
Idaho 3
Illinois  
Indiana 11
Kansas  
Kentucky  
Louisiana 9
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota  
Mississippi 7
Montana 6
Nebraska  
Nevada 5
New Mexico 6
New York 3
North Carolina 9
North Dakota  
Oklahoma 7
Oregon 11
Rhode Island 5
South Carolina 11
South Dakota 8
Texas  
Virginia 9
Washington 7
West Virginia 7
Wisconsin  
Wyoming 5

2b. Currently, how many members are serving on your board or commission?

(View question)

State Number of members
currently serving
Alabama 7
Alaska  
Arizona  
Arkansas  
California  
Colorado  
Connecticut  
Florida 9
Georgia 7
Hawaii  
Idaho 3
Illinois  
Indiana 10
Kansas  
Kentucky  
Louisiana 9
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota  
Mississippi 7
Montana 6
Nebraska  
Nevada 5
New Mexico 5
New York 3
North Carolina 9
North Dakota  
Oklahoma 6
Oregon 11
Rhode Island 5
South Carolina 10
South Dakota 8
Texas  
Virginia 9
Washington 7
West Virginia 7
Wisconsin  
Wyoming 5

2c. Please indicate the number of authorized board or commission positions that are required to represent each of the following entities. (Enter numbers. If none, enter 0 for that entity. If unknown or no requirements exist, leave space blank.)

(View question)

        Funeral homes or funeral directors/embalmers

(View question)

        Cemeteries or cemetery operators

(View question)

        Crematories or crematory operators

(View question)

        State agencies or offices

(View question)

        Board or commission employees

(View question)

        Consumers or the general public

(View question)

State Number of authorized
positions -
Funeral Homes		 Number of authorized
positions -
Cemeteries		 Number of authorized
positions -
Crematories		 Number of authorized
positions -
State Agencies		 Number of authorized
positions -
Board Employees		 Number of authorized
positions -
Consumers or
General Public
Alabama 7 0 0 0 3 0
Alaska            
Arizona            
Arkansas            
California            
Colorado            
Connecticut            
Florida 3 2   1 23 3
Georgia 6 0 0 0 0 1
Hawaii            
Idaho 0 0 0 0 0 0
Illinois            
Indiana 7 7 11 1 0 1
Kansas            
Kentucky            
Louisiana 9   9   9 9
Maine            
Maryland            
Massachusetts            
Minnesota            
Mississippi 7   7 7 7  
Montana 3 1 1     1
Nebraska            
Nevada 1 1 1     2
New Mexico         3  
New York 0 0 0 3 0 0
North Carolina 7 0 0 0 0 2
North Dakota            
Oklahoma 5         2
Oregon 4 3 1     4
Rhode Island 3         2
South Carolina 9       3 2
South Dakota 5     1   2
Texas            
Virginia 7 0 0 0 0 2
Washington 3 3       1
West Virginia 5 0 1 0 0 1
Wisconsin            
Wyoming 4          

        Other - Please name the entities
        represented by the other board or
        commission members and how many
        board or commission members
        represent each entity.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

3. Are all crematories within your state subject to regulation by your state?

(View question)

State Are all crematories within your
state subject to regulation by
your state?
Yes - Go to question
4. 		No - Please answer
question 3a.		 No response -
Go to question 4.
Alabama X    
Arizona X    
Arkansas X    
California X    
Colorado X    
Connecticut X    
Florida X    
Georgia X    
Idaho X    
Illinois X    
Indiana X    
Kansas   X  
Kentucky X    
Louisiana X    
Maine X    
Minnesota X    
Mississippi X    
Montana X    
Nebraska X    
Nevada X    
New Mexico X    
New York X    
North Carolina   X  
North Dakota X    
Oklahoma X    
Oregon X    
Rhode Island X    
South Carolina X    
South Dakota X    
Texas X    
Virginia   X  
Washington X    
West Virginia X    
Wisconsin   X  
Wyoming X    
Number Responding 31 4 0

3a. What types of crematories are exempt from regulation?

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

4. Do any other entities in your state regulate crematories?

(View question)

State Do any other entities in your
state regulate crematories?
Yes - Please
answer question
4a.		 No

No response

Alabama   X  
Arizona X    
Arkansas   X  
California X    
Colorado X    
Connecticut   X  
Florida X    
Georgia X    
Idaho   X  
Illinois   X  
Indiana   X  
Kansas   X  
Kentucky   X  
Louisiana X    
Maine X    
Minnesota   X  
Mississippi   X  
Montana   X  
Nebraska   X  
Nevada     X
New Mexico   X  
New York   X  
North Carolina X    
North Dakota   X  
Oklahoma   X  
Oregon X    
Rhode Island X    
South Carolina X    
South Dakota   X  
Texas X    
Virginia X    
Washington X    
West Virginia   X  
Wisconsin   X  
Wyoming   X  
Number Responding 14 20 1

4a. Please identify the other entities in your state that regulate crematories and what type(s) of crematories they regulate.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

State Regulations on Crematories (Continued)

5. Does your state maintain data on the number of crematories that operate in your state?

(View question)

State Does your state maintain data on the number of crematories that operate in your state?
Yes - Continue
with question 6.		 No

No response

Alabama X    
Arizona X    
Arkansas X    
California X    
Colorado X    
Connecticut X    
Florida X    
Georgia X    
Idaho X    
Illinois X    
Indiana X    
Kansas X    
Kentucky X    
Louisiana X    
Maine X    
Minnesota X    
Mississippi X    
Montana X    
Nebraska X    
Nevada X    
New Mexico X    
New York X    
North Carolina X    
North Dakota X    
Oklahoma X    
Oregon X    
Rhode Island X    
South Carolina X    
South Dakota X    
Texas X    
Virginia X    
Washington X    
West Virginia X    
Wisconsin X    
Wyoming X    
Number Responding 35 0 0

6. Approximately how many crematories currently operate in your state? (Enter number. If number is unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Crematories
currently operating
Alabama 35
Alaska  
Arizona 52
Arkansas 24
California 208
Colorado 55
Connecticut 19
Florida 162
Georgia 80
Hawaii  
Idaho 28
Illinois 110
Indiana 74
Kansas 32
Kentucky 27
Louisiana 13
Maine 9
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota 52
Mississippi 14
Montana 32
Nebraska 23
Nevada 15
New Mexico 25
New York 48
North Carolina 101
North Dakota 7
Oklahoma 37
Oregon 65
Rhode Island 12
South Carolina 33
South Dakota 9
Texas 122
Virginia  
Washington 101
West Virginia 15
Wisconsin 98
Wyoming 14

7. Approximately how many of these crematories are subject to regulation by your state? (Enter number. If number is unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Crematories
subject to
state regulation
Alabama 35
Alaska  
Arizona 52
Arkansas 24
California 208
Colorado 55
Connecticut 19
Florida 162
Georgia 80
Hawaii  
Idaho 28
Illinois 110
Indiana 74
Kansas 31
Kentucky 27
Louisiana 13
Maine 9
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota 52
Mississippi 14
Montana 32
Nebraska 23
Nevada 15
New Mexico 25
New York 48
North Carolina 101
North Dakota 7
Oklahoma 37
Oregon 65
Rhode Island 12
South Carolina 33
South Dakota 9
Texas 122
Virginia 91
Washington 101
West Virginia 15
Wisconsin 98
Wyoming 14

8. Which of the following statements best describes requirements for crematories in your state? (Check all that apply.)

(View question)

State Crematories are required to be under the supervision and/or license of a funeral home. Crematories are required to be under the supervision and/or license of a cemetery. Crematories are required to be under the supervision and/or license of a funeral home or a cemetery. Crematories are required to be under the supervision and/or license of a crematory operator. Crematories are
required to be
located on the
premises of a
funeral home.		 Crematories are
required to be
located on the
premises of a
cemetery.		 Crematories are required to be located on the premises of a funeral home or a cemetery. None of the above
are required.
Alabama X       X      
Alaska                
Arizona       X        
Arkansas       X        
California       X        
Colorado               X
Connecticut               X
Florida               X
Georgia       X        
Hawaii                
Idaho X              
Illinois       X        
Indiana               X
Kansas       X        
Kentucky       X        
Louisiana       X        
Maine       X   X    
Maryland                
Massachusetts                
Minnesota       X        
Mississippi       X        
Montana       X        
Nebraska               X
Nevada X     X        
New Mexico       X        
New York             X  
North Carolina       X        
North Dakota               X
Oklahoma X              
Oregon               X
Rhode Island       X        
South Carolina                
South Dakota       X        
Texas X X X   X X X  
Virginia       X        
Washington     X       X  
West Virginia       X        
Wisconsin               X
Wyoming               X
Number Responding 5 1 2 19 2 2 3 9

9. Have any legislative or regulatory changes been proposed or enacted in your state since March 2003 that are directed at crematories?

(View question)

State Have any legislative or regulatory changes been proposed or enacted in your state since March 2003 that are directed at crematories?
Yes, and some
or all changes
were enacted
- Go to question
10.		 Yes, but no changes
were enacted


 No



No response



Alabama     X  
Arizona     X  
Arkansas       X
California X      
Colorado X      
Connecticut X      
Florida X      
Georgia X      
Idaho       X
Illinois X      
Indiana     X  
Kansas X      
Kentucky   X    
Louisiana X      
Maine X      
Minnesota X      
Mississippi X      
Montana X      
Nebraska X      
Nevada     X  
New Mexico     X  
New York X      
North Carolina X      
North Dakota     X  
Oklahoma X      
Oregon     X  
Rhode Island X      
South Carolina X      
South Dakota     X  
Texas X      
Virginia X      
Washington X      
West Virginia     X  
Wisconsin     X  
Wyoming     X  
Number Responding 21 1 11 2

10. What did the legislative or regulatory changes that were enacted involve? (Check all that apply. Also, please briefly describe all legislative or regulatory changes in question 10a and answer question 10b.)

(View question)

State Clarification
of legislation
or regulation		 Stricter registration
or licensing
requirements
for crematory
operators		 Stricter licensing
requirements
for crematories		 Stricter inspection
requirements
for crematories		 Change in the
state's regulatory
organization		 Enhanced consumer
protections		 Other changes
Alabama              
Alaska              
Arizona              
Arkansas              
California X   X     X  
Colorado     X   X X  
Connecticut   X X X      
Florida     X   X    
Georgia X   X        
Hawaii              
Idaho              
Illinois X       X    
Indiana              
Kansas X X X     X  
Kentucky              
Louisiana             X
Maine             X
Maryland              
Massachusetts              
Minnesota X X          
Mississippi X X X X      
Montana X            
Nebraska X            
Nevada              
New Mexico              
New York X     X      
North Carolina X X X X   X  
North Dakota              
Oklahoma         X    
Oregon              
Rhode Island X     X      
South Carolina   X   X      
South Dakota              
Texas   X       X  
Virginia   X X X      
Washington X            
West Virginia              
Wisconsin              
Wyoming              
Number Responding 12 8 9 7 4 5 2

10a. If you checked any of the selections in question 10 above, please describe the changes and provide a citation to the applicable legislative or regulatory changes.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

10b. Of the legislative or regulatory changes directed at crematories that were enacted in your state since March 2003, in your opinion, how much did these changes strengthen your state's regulatory program?

(View question)

State Of the legislative or regulatory changes directed at crematories that were enacted in your state since March 2003, in your opinion, how much did these changes strengthen your state's regulatory program?
They significantly
strengthened
our regulatory
program.		 They moderately
strengthened
our regulatory
program. 		They slightly
strengthened
our regulatory
program. 		They had no effect
on our regulatory
program.
No response



California   X      
Colorado X        
Connecticut X        
Florida X        
Georgia X        
Illinois     X    
Kansas X        
Louisiana X        
Maine X        
Minnesota   X      
Mississippi   X      
Montana   X      
Nebraska         X
New York X        
North Carolina X        
Oklahoma X        
Rhode Island     X    
South Carolina     X    
Texas X        
Virginia X        
Washington X        
Number Responding 13 4 3 0 1

11. What did the legislative or regulatory changes that were proposed but not enacted involve? (Check all that apply. If all were enacted, check "Not applicable".)

(View question)

State Not applicable, all proposed legislative or regulatory changes proposed were enacted Clarification
of legislation
or regulation		 Stricter registration
or licensing
requirements
for crematory
operators		 Stricter licensing
requirements
for crematories		 Stricter inspection
requirements
for crematories		 Change in the
state's regulatory
organization		 Enhanced consumer
protections		 Other - Please
describe below.
Alabama                
Alaska                
Arizona                
Arkansas                
California   X         X X
Colorado X              
Connecticut X              
Florida X              
Georgia X              
Hawaii                
Idaho                
Illinois     X   X   X  
Indiana                
Kansas X              
Kentucky               X
Louisiana X              
Maine X              
Maryland                
Massachusetts                
Minnesota     X          
Mississippi   X X X X      
Montana X              
Nebraska X              
Nevada                
New Mexico                
New York X              
North Carolina X              
North Dakota                
Oklahoma X              
Oregon                
Rhode Island               X
South Carolina X              
South Dakota                
Texas     X          
Virginia X              
Washington X              
West Virginia                
Wisconsin                
Wyoming                
Number Responding 15 2 4 1 2 0 2 3

If you answered "Other" above,
please enter your description here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

12. How did these proposals for legislative or regulatory changes come about? (Check all that apply.)

(View question)

State Accounts of desecration
of human remains		 Accounts of fraud
or deceptive
practices		 Lobbying efforts
of consumer groups		 Lobbying efforts
of the death
care industry		 Proposals from
state regulatory
agencies		 Other - Please
describe below.
Alabama            
Alaska            
Arizona            
Arkansas            
California     X X X  
Colorado       X    
Connecticut       X X  
Florida            
Georgia     X X X  
Hawaii            
Idaho            
Illinois   X        
Indiana            
Kansas           X
Kentucky       X    
Louisiana X          
Maine         X  
Maryland            
Massachusetts            
Minnesota       X X  
Mississippi X          
Montana       X X  
Nebraska           X
Nevada            
New Mexico            
New York X X     X  
North Carolina X X   X    
North Dakota            
Oklahoma       X X  
Oregon            
Rhode Island     X X X  
South Carolina         X  
South Dakota            
Texas   X        
Virginia X     X    
Washington         X  
West Virginia            
Wisconsin            
Wyoming            
Number Responding 5 4 3 11 11 2

If you answered "Other" above,
please enter your description here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

Enforcement Mechanisms

13. Do crematory operators have to be licensed to operate within your state?

(View question)

State Do crematory operators have to be licensed
to operate within your state?
Yes, all must
be licensed -
Go to question
14.
Some, but not
all, must be
licensed - Please
answer question
13a.		 No, no license
is required


No response



Alabama     X  
Arizona X      
Arkansas X      
California   X    
Colorado     X  
Connecticut     X  
Florida     X  
Georgia   X    
Idaho X      
Illinois X      
Indiana     X  
Kansas X      
Kentucky X      
Louisiana X      
Maine     X  
Minnesota     X  
Mississippi X      
Montana X      
Nebraska X      
Nevada X      
New Mexico     X  
New York     X  
North Carolina   X    
North Dakota     X  
Oklahoma     X  
Oregon     X  
Rhode Island X      
South Carolina   X    
South Dakota X      
Texas     X  
Virginia     X  
Washington X      
West Virginia X      
Wisconsin     X  
Wyoming X      
Number Responding 16 4 15 0

13a. What types of crematory operators do not have to be licensed to operate within your state?

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

14. What are the requirements for becoming a licensed crematory operator in your state? (Check all that apply.)

(View question)

State Must pass a national
examination		 Must pass a state
examination		 Must pass a criminal
background check		 Must serve an
apprenticeship/internship
period		 Must have a certificate
or degree in
mortuary science		 Must be a licensed
funeral director
or embalmer		 Must complete
a specified number
of semester hours
at a college
or university		 Other - Please
describe below.		 There are no
specific requirements
Alabama                  
Alaska                  
Arizona     X         X  
Arkansas                 X
California   X X         X  
Colorado                  
Connecticut                  
Florida                  
Georgia               X  
Hawaii                  
Idaho X X   X X X X    
Illinois   X X            
Indiana                  
Kansas               X  
Kentucky               X  
Louisiana               X  
Maine                  
Maryland                  
Massachusetts                  
Minnesota                  
Mississippi               X  
Montana                 X
Nebraska               X  
Nevada X X X     X      
New Mexico                  
New York                  
North Carolina               X  
North Dakota                  
Oklahoma                  
Oregon                  
Rhode Island               X  
South Carolina X X X X X X X    
South Dakota           X      
Texas                  
Virginia                  
Washington               X  
West Virginia               X  
Wisconsin                  
Wyoming               X  
Number Responding 3 5 5 2 2 4 2 13 2

If you answered "Other" above,
please enter your description here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

15. How often do crematory operators' licenses have to be renewed?

(View question)

State How often do crematory operators' licenses have to be renewed?
More than once
a year
At least once
a year
Every 2 years

 Between every
2 to 5 years
 Greater than
every 5 years
 Licenses do not
need to be renewed		 Varies - Please
describe below. 		No response

Arizona   X            
Arkansas               X
California   X            
Georgia               X
Idaho   X            
Illinois           X    
Kansas     X          
Kentucky           X    
Louisiana   X            
Mississippi     X          
Montana   X            
Nebraska           X    
Nevada   X            
North Carolina           X    
Rhode Island   X            
South Carolina     X          
South Dakota   X            
Washington   X            
West Virginia     X          
Wyoming   X            
Number Responding 0 10 4 0 0 4 0 2

If the renewal period varies,
please explain here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

16. Do crematories have to be licensed to operate in your state?

(View question)

State Do crematories have to be licensed to
operate in your state?
Yes, all must
be licensed -
Go to question
17.
Some, but not
all, must be
licensed - Please
answer question
16a.		 No, no license
is required


No response



Alabama X      
Arizona X      
Arkansas X      
California X      
Colorado   X    
Connecticut X      
Florida X      
Georgia X      
Idaho X      
Illinois X      
Indiana X      
Kansas   X    
Kentucky X      
Louisiana X      
Maine X      
Minnesota X      
Mississippi X      
Montana X      
Nebraska X      
Nevada X      
New Mexico X      
New York     X  
North Carolina   X    
North Dakota X      
Oklahoma X      
Oregon X      
Rhode Island X      
South Carolina X      
South Dakota X      
Texas X      
Virginia   X    
Washington X      
West Virginia X      
Wisconsin     X  
Wyoming     X  
Number Responding 28 4 3 0

16a. What type(s) of crematories do not have to be licensed to operate within your state?

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

17. How often do crematories' licenses have to be renewed?

(View question)

State How often do crematories' licenses have to be renewed?
More than once
a year
At least once
a year
Every 2 years

 Between every
2 to 5 years
 Greater than
every 5 years
 Licenses do not
need to be renewed		 Varies - Please
describe below. 		No response

Alabama   X            
Arizona   X            
Arkansas   X            
California   X            
Colorado   X            
Connecticut   X            
Florida     X          
Georgia     X          
Idaho   X            
Illinois           X    
Indiana           X    
Kansas     X          
Kentucky           X    
Louisiana   X            
Maine           X    
Minnesota   X            
Mississippi     X          
Montana   X            
Nebraska             X  
Nevada   X            
New Mexico   X            
North Carolina   X            
North Dakota   X            
Oklahoma   X            
Oregon     X          
Rhode Island   X            
South Carolina     X          
South Dakota   X            
Texas   X            
Virginia   X            
Washington   X            
West Virginia     X          
Number Responding 0 20 7 0 0 4 1 0

If the renewal period varies,
please explain here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

Enforcement Mechanisms (Continued)

18. Does your state require crematories to be inspected by state inspectors?

(View question)

State Does your state require crematories
to be inspected by state inspectors?
Yes - Continue
with question
19.		 No

No response

Alabama X    
Arizona X    
Arkansas X    
California X    
Colorado   X  
Connecticut X    
Florida X    
Georgia X    
Idaho     X
Illinois   X  
Indiana   X  
Kansas X    
Kentucky X    
Louisiana X    
Maine   X  
Minnesota X    
Montana X    
Nebraska X    
Nevada X    
New Mexico X    
New York X    
North Carolina X    
North Dakota X    
Oklahoma X    
Oregon X    
Rhode Island X    
South Carolina X    
South Dakota X    
Texas X    
Virginia X    
Washington X    
West Virginia X    
Wisconsin X    
Wyoming   X  
Number Responding 28 5 1

19. How often are these inspections of crematories to be conducted?

(View question)

State How often are these inspections of crematories to be conducted?
More than once
a year
At least once
a year
Every 2 years

 Between every
2 to 5 years
 Greater than
every 5 years
 Varies - Please
describe below.		 No response

Alabama   X          
Arizona           X  
Arkansas   X          
California   X          
Connecticut   X          
Florida   X          
Georgia   X          
Kansas X            
Kentucky   X          
Louisiana   X          
Minnesota     X        
Montana   X          
Nebraska       X      
Nevada   X          
New Mexico   X          
New York X            
North Carolina           X  
North Dakota     X        
Oklahoma           X  
Oregon     X        
Rhode Island   X          
South Carolina     X        
South Dakota   X          
Texas     X        
Virginia       X      
Washington   X          
West Virginia   X          
Wisconsin           X  
Number Responding 2 15 5 2 0 4 0

If the inspection period varies,
please explain here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

20. Approximately how many inspectors does your state currently have that conduct inspections of crematories? (Enter number. If number is unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Number of inspectors
of crematories
Alabama 2
Alaska  
Arizona 1
Arkansas 1
California 9
Colorado  
Connecticut 1
Florida 8
Georgia 5
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas 1
Kentucky 2
Louisiana 1
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota 1
Mississippi  
Montana 1
Nebraska 1
Nevada 2
New Mexico 2
New York 4
North Carolina 3
North Dakota 8
Oklahoma 3
Oregon 1
Rhode Island 1
South Carolina 1
South Dakota 3
Texas 2
Virginia 4
Washington 3
West Virginia 1
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

21. Approximately what percentage of these inspectors' time (from question 20 above), on average, is spent on inspections of crematories, inspections of other types of facilities, and doing other types of work? (Enter percents. The three items below should total 100 percent. If percent is unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

Percentage of time spent inspecting crematories

(View question)

Enter percent

(View question)

State Percent of time
inspecting crematories
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 20.0 %
Arkansas 10.0 %
California 16.0 %
Colorado  
Connecticut 10.0 %
Florida 5.0 %
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas 5.0 %
Kentucky 10.0 %
Louisiana 5.0 %
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota 10.0 %
Mississippi  
Montana 25.0 %
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico 60.0 %
New York 15.0 %
North Carolina 10.0 %
North Dakota 10.0 %
Oklahoma 20.0 %
Oregon 5.0 %
Rhode Island 1.0 %
South Carolina 5.0 %
South Dakota 5.0 %
Texas 10.0 %
Virginia 1.0 %
Washington 10.0 %
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  



(View question)

Percentage of time spent inspecting other types of facilities

(View question)

Enter percent

(View question)

State Percent of time
inspecting other
facilities
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 50.0 %
Arkansas 75.0 %
California 64.0 %
Colorado  
Connecticut 70.0 %
Florida 60.0 %
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas 75.0 %
Kentucky 0.0 %
Louisiana 80.0 %
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota 33.0 %
Mississippi  
Montana 75.0 %
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico 20.0 %
New York 50.0 %
North Carolina 75.0 %
North Dakota 90.0 %
Oklahoma 60.0 %
Oregon 85.0 %
Rhode Island 2.0 %
South Carolina 75.0 %
South Dakota 95.0 %
Texas 80.0 %
Virginia 79.0 %
Washington 20.0 %
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

What other types of facilities are inspected?

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

Percentage of time spent doing other types of work

(View question)

Enter percent

(View question)

State Percent of time
doing other
work
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 30.0 %
Arkansas 15.0 %
California 20.0 %
Colorado  
Connecticut 20.0 %
Florida 35.0 %
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas 20.0 %
Kentucky 90.0 %
Louisiana 15.0 %
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota 57.0 %
Mississippi  
Montana  
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico 20.0 %
New York 35.0 %
North Carolina 15.0 %
North Dakota  
Oklahoma 20.0 %
Oregon 10.0 %
Rhode Island 0.0 %
South Carolina 20.0 %
South Dakota  
Texas 10.0 %
Virginia 20.0 %
Washington 61.0 %
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

What other types of work are conducted?

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

22. Do each of the following factors help, hinder, or have no effect on your ability to carry out inspection responsibilities? (Select one answer in each row.)

(View question)

a. My current funding levels

(View question)

State My current funding levels
This helps me in carrying out inspection responsibilities. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, but I am still able to carry them out. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, and I am not always able to carry them out. This has no effect on my ability to carry out inspection responsibilities. No response
Alabama       X  
Arizona     X    
Arkansas       X  
California   X      
Connecticut   X      
Florida         X
Georgia       X  
Kansas X        
Kentucky   X      
Louisiana       X  
Minnesota       X  
Montana X        
Nebraska   X      
Nevada         X
New Mexico         X
New York   X      
North Carolina   X      
North Dakota       X  
Oklahoma   X      
Oregon     X    
Rhode Island       X  
South Carolina       X  
South Dakota X        
Texas   X      
Virginia   X      
Washington X        
West Virginia       X  
Wisconsin   X      
Number Responding 4 10 2 9 3

b. My current availability of staff resources

(View question)

State My current availability of staff resources
This helps me in carrying out inspection responsibilities. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, but I am still able to carry them out. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, and I am not always able to carry them out. This has no effect on my ability to carry out inspection responsibilities. No response
Alabama       X  
Arizona   X      
Arkansas       X  
California X        
Connecticut   X      
Florida         X
Georgia       X  
Kansas X        
Kentucky   X      
Louisiana       X  
Minnesota   X      
Montana X        
Nebraska       X  
Nevada         X
New Mexico         X
New York   X      
North Carolina   X      
North Dakota       X  
Oklahoma   X      
Oregon     X    
Rhode Island       X  
South Carolina       X  
South Dakota X        
Texas   X      
Virginia X        
Washington X        
West Virginia       X  
Wisconsin   X      
Number Responding 6 9 1 9 3

c. Crematories willingness to participate

(View question)

State Crematories willingness to participate
This helps me in carrying out inspection responsibilities. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, but I am still able to carry them out. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, and I am not always able to carry them out. This has no effect on my ability to carry out inspection responsibilities. No response
Alabama       X  
Arizona       X  
Arkansas       X  
California X        
Connecticut   X      
Florida         X
Georgia       X  
Kansas       X  
Kentucky       X  
Louisiana       X  
Minnesota       X  
Montana X        
Nebraska       X  
Nevada         X
New Mexico         X
New York   X      
North Carolina       X  
North Dakota       X  
Oklahoma     X    
Oregon       X  
Rhode Island       X  
South Carolina   X      
South Dakota X        
Texas X        
Virginia X        
Washington         X
West Virginia       X  
Wisconsin X        
Number Responding 6 3 1 14 4

d. My current legal or regulatory authority

(View question)

State My current legal or regulatory authority
This helps me in carrying out inspection responsibilities. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, but I am still able to carry them out. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, and I am not always able to carry them out. This has no effect on my ability to carry out inspection responsibilities. No response
Alabama       X  
Arizona X        
Arkansas       X  
California X        
Connecticut   X      
Florida         X
Georgia X        
Kansas X        
Kentucky X        
Louisiana       X  
Minnesota X        
Montana X        
Nebraska       X  
Nevada         X
New Mexico         X
New York X        
North Carolina       X  
North Dakota       X  
Oklahoma   X      
Oregon       X  
Rhode Island X        
South Carolina X        
South Dakota X        
Texas   X      
Virginia X        
Washington X        
West Virginia       X  
Wisconsin X        
Number Responding 14 3 0 8 3

e. Inspectors' qualification requirements

(View question)

State Inspectors' qualification requirements
This helps me in carrying out inspection responsibilities. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, but I am still able to carry them out. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, and I am not always able to carry them out. This has no effect on my ability to carry out inspection responsibilities. No response
Alabama       X  
Arizona X        
Arkansas       X  
Connecticut X        
Florida         X
Georgia X        
Kansas X        
Kentucky   X      
Louisiana       X  
Minnesota X        
Montana X        
Nebraska       X  
Nevada         X
New Mexico         X
New York   X      
North Carolina       X  
North Dakota       X  
Oklahoma       X  
Oregon       X  
Rhode Island X        
South Carolina X        
South Dakota X        
Texas X        
Virginia X        
Washington X        
West Virginia       X  
Wisconsin X        
Number Responding 13 2 0 9 3

f. Other factor(s) - Please explain below.

(View question)

State Other factor(s) - Please explain below.
This helps me in carrying out inspection responsibilities. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, but I am still able to carry them out. This hinders me in carrying out inspection responsibilities, and I am not always able to carry them out. This has no effect on my ability to carry out inspection responsibilities. No response
Alabama         X
California         X
Connecticut         X
Florida         X
Georgia         X
Kentucky     X    
Minnesota         X
Nevada         X
New Mexico         X
Oklahoma         X
South Dakota       X  
Washington         X
Number Responding 0 0 1 1 10

If you answered "Other factor(s)" above, please explain here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

Enforcement Mechanisms (Continued)

23. Does your state track violations of state rules or regulations involving crematories or crematory operators?

(View question)

State Does your state track violations of state rules or regulations involving crematories or crematory operators?
Yes - Continue with
question 24.		 No
No response
Alabama X    
Arizona X    
Arkansas X    
California X    
Colorado X    
Connecticut X    
Florida X    
Georgia X    
Idaho     X
Illinois X    
Indiana X    
Kansas X    
Kentucky   X  
Louisiana X    
Maine X    
Minnesota X    
Mississippi X    
Montana X    
Nebraska X    
Nevada X    
New Mexico     X
New York X    
North Carolina X    
North Dakota X    
Oklahoma X    
Oregon   X  
Rhode Island X    
South Carolina X    
South Dakota X    
Texas X    
Virginia X    
Washington X    
West Virginia X    
Wisconsin X    
Wyoming X    
Number Responding 31 2 2

24. Approximately how many violations of state rules or regulations involving crematories and crematory operators has there been since January 1, 2008? (Enter numbers. If none, enter 0. If number is unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Number of total
violations
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 1
Arkansas 2
California 43
Colorado 2
Connecticut 2
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois 0
Indiana 0
Kansas  
Kentucky  
Louisiana 0
Maine 0
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota 2
Mississippi  
Montana 2
Nebraska 0
Nevada 0
New Mexico  
New York 15
North Carolina 23
North Dakota 0
Oklahoma  
Oregon  
Rhode Island 0
South Carolina 2
South Dakota 0
Texas 3
Virginia  
Washington 2
West Virginia  
Wisconsin 16
Wyoming 0

24a. If you are able to provide separate numbers of violations specifically for crematories versus crematory operators since January 1, 2008, please enter these numbers below. (Enter numbers. If none, enter 0. If number is unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

        If available, number of violations specifically
        involving crematories since January 1, 2008

(View question)

State number of specific
crematory violations
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 1
Arkansas 2
California 31
Colorado 2
Connecticut 2
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas 2
Kentucky  
Louisiana  
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota 2
Mississippi  
Montana  
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico  
New York 13
North Carolina 23
North Dakota  
Oklahoma  
Oregon  
Rhode Island  
South Carolina 1
South Dakota  
Texas 2
Virginia  
Washington 0
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

        If available, number of violations specifically
        involving crematory operators since January 1, 2008

(View question)

State number of specific
crematory operator
violations
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 1
Arkansas 2
California 7
Colorado 0
Connecticut 0
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas 0
Kentucky  
Louisiana  
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota 0
Mississippi  
Montana  
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico  
New York 2
North Carolina 23
North Dakota  
Oklahoma  
Oregon  
Rhode Island  
South Carolina 2
South Dakota  
Texas 1
Virginia  
Washington  
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

25. Please list up to three of the most prevalent types of violations since January 1, 2008 involving crematories and crematory operators.

(View question)


1.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported


2.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported


3.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

26. Since January 1, 2008, has your state taken any actions against crematories or crematory operators for violations of state rules or regulations?

(View question)

State Since January 1, 2008, has your state taken any actions against crematories or crematory operators for violations of state rules or regulations?
Yes - Continue
with question
27.		 No

No response

Alabama   X  
Arizona X    
Arkansas X    
California X    
Colorado X    
Connecticut   X  
Florida     X
Georgia X    
Idaho     X
Illinois     X
Indiana   X  
Kansas X    
Kentucky   X  
Louisiana   X  
Maine   X  
Minnesota X    
Mississippi   X  
Montana X    
Nebraska   X  
Nevada   X  
New Mexico   X  
New York X    
North Carolina X    
North Dakota   X  
Oregon X    
Rhode Island   X  
South Carolina   X  
South Dakota   X  
Texas X    
Virginia   X  
Washington   X  
West Virginia   X  
Wisconsin     X
Wyoming   X  
Number Responding 12 18 4

27. Please indicate the type of action(s) -- and associated number of actions -- your state has taken since January 1, 2008, against crematories or crematory operators for violations of state rules or regulations.

(View question)

a. Notice of non-compliance (a caution or
    warning that a problem exists)

(View question)

State a. Notice of non-compliance (a
caution or warning that a problem
exists)
Yes, we took
this action
No, we did not
take this action		 Not sure if we
took this action
Arizona   X  
California X    
Colorado   X  
Georgia   X  
Kansas X    
Minnesota X    
Montana X    
New York X    
North Carolina X    
Oregon X    
Texas X    
Number Responding 8 3 0



If yes, please enter the number of such actions
taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number.
If unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Number of non-compliance
actions taken
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 0
Arkansas  
California 35
Colorado  
Connecticut  
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas 2
Kentucky  
Louisiana  
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota  
Mississippi  
Montana 2
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico  
New York 13
North Carolina 23
North Dakota  
Oklahoma  
Oregon 2
Rhode Island  
South Carolina  
South Dakota  
Texas  
Virginia  
Washington  
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

b. Letter of reprimand (notification
    that a violation has occurred
    and an action may be taken)

(View question)

State b. Letter of reprimand (notification that a violation has occurred and an action may be taken)
Yes, we took
this action
No, we did not
take this action		 Not sure if we
took this action
Arizona   X  
California X    
Colorado X    
Georgia   X  
Kansas   X  
Minnesota   X  
Montana X    
New York   X  
North Carolina X    
Oregon   X  
Texas   X  
Number Responding 4 7 0




If yes, please enter the number of such actions
taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number.
If unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Number of letter
of reprimand
actions taken
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 0
Arkansas  
California 3
Colorado 1
Connecticut  
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas  
Kentucky  
Louisiana  
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota  
Mississippi  
Montana 2
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico  
New York  
North Carolina 7
North Dakota  
Oklahoma  
Oregon  
Rhode Island  
South Carolina  
South Dakota  
Texas  
Virginia  
Washington  
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

c. Assessment of investigative costs

(View question)

State c. Assessment of investigative
costs
Yes, we took
this action
No, we did not
take this action		 Not sure if we
took this action
Arizona X    
California   X  
Colorado   X  
Georgia   X  
Kansas   X  
Minnesota   X  
New York   X  
North Carolina   X  
Oregon   X  
Texas   X  
Number Responding 1 9 0


If yes, please enter the number of such actions
taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number.
If unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Number of assessment
of investigative
costs actions
taken
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 1
Arkansas  
California  
Colorado  
Connecticut  
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas  
Kentucky  
Louisiana  
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota  
Mississippi  
Montana  
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico  
New York  
North Carolina  
North Dakota  
Oklahoma  
Oregon  
Rhode Island  
South Carolina  
South Dakota  
Texas  
Virginia  
Washington  
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

d. Monetary fine

(View question)

State d. Monetary fine
Yes, we took
this action
No, we did not
take this action		 Not sure if we
took this action
Arizona X    
Arkansas X    
California X    
Colorado   X  
Georgia X    
Kansas   X  
New York   X  
North Carolina X    
Oregon X    
Texas X    
Number Responding 7 3 0


If yes, please enter the number of such actions
taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number.
If unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Number of monetary
fine actions
taken
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 1
Arkansas 2
California 2
Colorado  
Connecticut  
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas  
Kentucky  
Louisiana  
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota  
Mississippi  
Montana  
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico  
New York  
North Carolina 3
North Dakota  
Oklahoma  
Oregon 5
Rhode Island  
South Carolina  
South Dakota  
Texas  
Virginia  
Washington  
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

e. Probation

(View question)

State e. Probation
Yes, we took
this action
No, we did not
take this action		 Not sure if we
took this action
Arizona X    
Arkansas X    
California   X  
Colorado   X  
Georgia X    
Kansas   X  
Minnesota   X  
New York   X  
North Carolina X    
Oregon   X  
Texas   X  
Number Responding 4 7 0


If yes, please enter the number of such actions
taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number.
If unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Number of probation
actions taken
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 1
Arkansas 2
California  
Colorado  
Connecticut  
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas  
Kentucky  
Louisiana  
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota  
Mississippi  
Montana  
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico  
New York  
North Carolina 3
North Dakota  
Oklahoma  
Oregon  
Rhode Island  
South Carolina  
South Dakota  
Texas  
Virginia  
Washington  
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

f. Voluntary relinquishment of license,
    certificate, or registration

(View question)

State f. Voluntary relinquishment of
license, certificate, or registration
Yes, we took
this action
No, we did not
take this action		 Not sure if we
took this action
Arizona X    
California   X  
Colorado   X  
Georgia   X  
Kansas   X  
Minnesota   X  
New York   X  
North Carolina   X  
Oregon   X  
Texas   X  
Number Responding 1 9 0



If yes, please enter the number of such actions
taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number.
If unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Number of relinquishment
actions taken
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 1
Arkansas  
California  
Colorado  
Connecticut  
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas  
Kentucky  
Louisiana  
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota  
Mississippi  
Montana  
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico  
New York  
North Carolina  
North Dakota  
Oklahoma  
Oregon  
Rhode Island  
South Carolina  
South Dakota  
Texas  
Virginia  
Washington  
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

g. Suspension of license

(View question)

State g. Suspension of license
Yes, we took
this action
No, we did not
take this action		 Not sure if we
took this action
Arizona X    
California   X  
Colorado   X  
Georgia   X  
Kansas   X  
Minnesota   X  
North Carolina   X  
Oregon   X  
Texas   X  
Number Responding 1 8 0


If yes, please enter the number of such actions
taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number.
If unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Number of suspension
of license
actions taken
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 1
Arkansas  
California  
Colorado  
Connecticut  
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas  
Kentucky  
Louisiana  
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota  
Mississippi  
Montana  
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico  
New York  
North Carolina  
North Dakota  
Oklahoma  
Oregon  
Rhode Island  
South Carolina  
South Dakota  
Texas  
Virginia  
Washington  
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

h. Revocation of license

(View question)

State h. Revocation of license
Yes, we took
this action
No, we did not
take this action		 Not sure if we
took this action
Arizona X    
California   X  
Colorado   X  
Georgia   X  
Kansas   X  
Minnesota   X  
North Carolina   X  
Oregon   X  
Number Responding 1 7 0


If yes, please enter the number of such actions
taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number.
If unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Number of revocation
of license
actions taken
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 1
Arkansas  
California  
Colorado  
Connecticut  
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas  
Kentucky  
Louisiana  
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota  
Mississippi  
Montana  
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico  
New York  
North Carolina  
North Dakota  
Oklahoma  
Oregon  
Rhode Island  
South Carolina  
South Dakota  
Texas  
Virginia  
Washington  
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

i. Civil or criminal prosecution (either
    prosecution taken by your entity or
    transferred to another entity for
    prosecution)

(View question)

State i. Civil or criminal prosecution (either prosecution taken by your entity or transferred to another entity for prosecution)
Yes, we took
this action
No, we did not
take this action		 Not sure if we
took this action
Arizona   X  
California X    
Colorado   X  
Georgia   X  
Kansas   X  
Minnesota   X  
New York X    
North Carolina   X  
Oregon X    
Texas   X  
Number Responding 3 7 0





If yes, please enter the number of such actions
taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number.
If unknown, leave space blank.)

(View question)

State Number of Civil
or criminal
prosecution
actions taken
Alabama  
Alaska  
Arizona 0
Arkansas  
California 1
Colorado  
Connecticut  
Florida  
Georgia  
Hawaii  
Idaho  
Illinois  
Indiana  
Kansas  
Kentucky  
Louisiana  
Maine  
Maryland  
Massachusetts  
Minnesota  
Mississippi  
Montana  
Nebraska  
Nevada  
New Mexico  
New York 1
North Carolina  
North Dakota  
Oklahoma  
Oregon 5
Rhode Island  
South Carolina  
South Dakota  
Texas  
Virginia  
Washington  
West Virginia  
Wisconsin  
Wyoming  

j. Other actions

    Please describe any other types of actions
    taken and indicate number of each type of
    action taken since January 1, 2008

(View question)


Description and number of actions:

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

Enforcement Mechanisms (Continued)

28. How much of a challenge do the following pose in enforcing your state's rules or regulations involving crematories or crematory operators? (Select one answer in each row.)

(View question)

a. Lack of regulations for enforcing state laws

(View question)

State Lack of regulations for enforcing state laws
Major challenge Moderate challenge Minor challenge Not a challenge No response
Alabama       X  
Arizona       X  
Arkansas     X    
California     X    
Colorado       X  
Connecticut   X      
Florida         X
Georgia       X  
Idaho         X
Indiana     X    
Kansas       X  
Kentucky     X    
Louisiana       X  
Maine       X  
Minnesota       X  
Mississippi       X  
Montana     X    
Nebraska       X  
Nevada         X
New Mexico         X
New York         X
North Carolina       X  
North Dakota       X  
Oklahoma       X  
Oregon       X  
Rhode Island         X
South Carolina       X  
South Dakota     X    
Texas   X      
Virginia       X  
Washington     X    
West Virginia       X  
Wisconsin       X  
Wyoming   X      
Number Responding 0 3 7 18 6

b. Regulations are unclear or vague

(View question)

State Regulations are unclear or vague
Major challenge Moderate challenge Minor challenge Not a challenge No response
Alabama     X    
Arizona     X    
Arkansas     X    
California       X  
Colorado   X      
Connecticut   X      
Florida         X
Georgia       X  
Idaho         X
Illinois     X    
Indiana       X  
Kansas       X  
Kentucky     X    
Louisiana       X  
Maine       X  
Minnesota       X  
Mississippi       X  
Montana     X    
Nebraska       X  
Nevada   X      
New Mexico         X
New York         X
North Carolina       X  
North Dakota       X  
Oklahoma     X    
Oregon       X  
Rhode Island         X
South Dakota     X    
Texas     X    
Virginia       X  
Washington     X    
West Virginia       X  
Wisconsin       X  
Wyoming   X      
Number Responding 0 4 10 15 5

c. Insufficient funds and/or staff to enforce regulations

(View question)

State Insufficient funds and/or staff to enforce regulations
Major challenge Moderate challenge Minor challenge Not a challenge No response
Alabama       X  
Arizona   X      
Arkansas       X  
California   X      
Colorado     X    
Connecticut X        
Florida         X
Georgia   X      
Idaho         X
Illinois     X    
Indiana   X      
Kansas       X  
Kentucky     X    
Louisiana       X  
Maine       X  
Minnesota       X  
Mississippi       X  
Montana       X  
Nebraska       X  
Nevada       X  
New Mexico         X
New York   X      
North Carolina       X  
North Dakota       X  
Oklahoma     X    
Oregon   X      
Rhode Island         X
South Carolina     X    
South Dakota       X  
Texas   X      
Virginia     X    
Washington     X    
West Virginia       X  
Wisconsin     X    
Wyoming     X    
Number Responding 1 7 9 14 4

d. Insufficient enforcement structure in place

(View question)

State Insufficient enforcement structure in place
Major challenge Moderate challenge Minor challenge Not a challenge No response
Alabama     X    
Arizona   X      
California       X  
Colorado       X  
Connecticut X        
Florida         X
Georgia       X  
Idaho         X
Illinois     X    
Indiana   X      
Kansas       X  
Kentucky     X    
Louisiana       X  
Maine     X    
Minnesota       X  
Mississippi       X  
Montana       X  
Nebraska       X  
Nevada       X  
New Mexico         X
New York       X  
North Carolina       X  
North Dakota       X  
Oklahoma     X    
Oregon       X  
Rhode Island         X
South Carolina       X  
South Dakota       X  
Texas     X    
Virginia       X  
Washington     X    
West Virginia       X  
Wisconsin       X  
Wyoming   X      
Number Responding 1 3 7 19 4

e. Implementing new laws or regulations that recently passed

(View question)

State Implementing new laws or regulations that recently
passed
Major challenge Moderate challenge Minor challenge Not a challenge No response
Alabama       X  
Arizona   X      
Arkansas     X    
California       X  
Colorado   X      
Connecticut   X      
Georgia       X  
Idaho         X
Indiana       X  
Kansas     X    
Kentucky     X    
Louisiana       X  
Maine       X  
Minnesota     X    
Mississippi       X  
Montana       X  
Nebraska       X  
Nevada       X  
New Mexico         X
New York   X      
North Carolina       X  
North Dakota       X  
Oklahoma       X  
Oregon       X  
Rhode Island         X
South Carolina       X  
South Dakota       X  
Texas     X    
Virginia       X  
Washington     X    
West Virginia       X  
Wisconsin       X  
Wyoming   X      
Number Responding 0 5 6 19 3

f. Other - Please explain below.

(View question)

State Other - Please explain below.
Major challenge Moderate challenge Minor challenge Not a challenge No response
Connecticut         X
Florida         X
Idaho         X
Maine         X
Nevada         X
New Mexico         X
Rhode Island         X
South Dakota         X
Number Responding 0 0 0 0 8

If you answered "Other" above, please explain here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

29. What is your state's biggest challenge in enforcing your state's rules or regulations involving crematories or crematory operators?

(View question)

State What is your state's biggest challenge in enforcing your state's rules or regulations involving crematories or crematory operators?
Lack of regulations
for enforcing
state laws
Regulations are
unclear or vague

 Insufficient
funds and/or
staff to enforce
regulations 		Insufficient
enforcement structure
in place
Implementing
new laws or regulations
that recently
passed		 Other - Please
explain below.

 No challenges
in enforcing
rules or regulations
 No response



Alabama               X
Arizona     X          
Arkansas             X  
California     X          
Colorado   X            
Connecticut     X          
Florida           X    
Georgia               X
Idaho               X
Illinois   X            
Indiana     X          
Kansas         X      
Kentucky             X  
Louisiana             X  
Maine             X  
Minnesota             X  
Mississippi       X        
Montana   X            
Nebraska               X
Nevada   X            
New Mexico               X
New York     X          
North Carolina             X  
North Dakota             X  
Oklahoma     X          
Oregon     X          
Rhode Island             X  
South Carolina X              
South Dakota   X            
Texas     X          
Virginia     X          
Washington             X  
West Virginia             X  
Wisconsin     X          
Wyoming   X            
Number Responding 1 6 10 1 1 1 10 5

If you answered "Other" above, please explain here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

Consumer Protections

30. Does your state maintain data on consumer complaints involving crematories or crematory operators?

(View question)

State Does your state maintain data on consumer complaints involving crematories or crematory operators?
Yes - Go to question
31.		 No
No response
Alabama X    
Alaska     X
Arizona X    
Arkansas X    
California X    
Colorado X    
Connecticut X    
Florida X    
Georgia X    
Hawaii   X  
Idaho     X
Illinois X    
Indiana X    
Kansas X    
Kentucky X    
Louisiana     X
Maine X    
Maryland   X  
Massachusetts   X  
Minnesota X    
Mississippi X    
Montana X    
Nebraska X    
Nevada X    
New Mexico   X  
New York X    
North Carolina X    
North Dakota X    
Oklahoma X    
Oregon X    
Rhode Island X    
South Carolina X    
South Dakota X    
Texas X    
Virginia X    
Washington X    
West Virginia X    
Wisconsin X    
Wyoming X    
Number Responding 32 4 3

31. Which agency or agencies within your state maintain data on consumer complaints involving crematories or crematory operators?

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

32. Approximately how many complaints did your state receive over the past three calendar or fiscal years involving crematories or crematory operators? (Enter numbers. If none, enter 0. If number is unknown, leave space blank.)

Number of complaints received in:

(View question)

a. calendar or fiscal year 2008:

(View question)

b. calendar or fiscal year 2009:

(View question)

c. calendar or fiscal year 2010:

(View question)

State number of complaints
in CY or FY
2008		 number of complaints
in CY or FY
2009		 number of complaints
in CY or FY
2010
Alabama 0 0 0
Alaska      
Arizona 0 0 1
Arkansas   1 1
California 2 7 6
Colorado     2
Connecticut 0 1 1
Florida      
Georgia      
Hawaii      
Idaho      
Illinois 0 0 0
Indiana 1 0 0
Kansas 0 0 2
Kentucky 1 0 0
Louisiana      
Maine 0 0 0
Maryland      
Massachusetts      
Minnesota 0 1 1
Mississippi      
Montana      
Nebraska      
Nevada 0 0 0
New Mexico      
New York 2 4 5
North Carolina 2 3 2
North Dakota 0 0 0
Oklahoma      
Oregon 5 2 2
Rhode Island 0 0 0
South Carolina     2
South Dakota 0 0 0
Texas 0 2 1
Virginia 1 1 3
Washington 0 0 0
West Virginia 0 0 0
Wisconsin 1 0 3
Wyoming 0 0 0

33. What consumer protections, if any, does your state have in place concerning crematories or crematory operators? (Check all that apply.)

(View question)

State Require that
all funeral-related
businesses provide
general price
lists		 Provide one or
more state-sponsored
complaint hot
lines		 Provide on-line
information to
consumers through
a state sponsored
web page		 Conduct educational
outreach programs
to seniors and/or
other consumers		 Provide information
on licensed facilities
in good standing
with the state		 Hold public hearings
to address consumer
concerns or complaints		 Conduct investigations
of legitimate
consumer complaints		 Other - Please
specify below.		 No consumer protections other than licensing, certification, or inspection - Go to question 35.
Alabama         X X X    
Alaska               X  
Arizona X X X X X X X    
Arkansas X X X   X   X    
California X X X   X X X    
Colorado X   X   X   X    
Connecticut   X X   X   X    
Florida   X X     X X    
Georgia X X X   X   X X  
Hawaii               X  
Idaho     X       X    
Illinois X X X X     X    
Indiana X   X   X X X    
Kansas     X X     X    
Kentucky       X X   X    
Louisiana     X   X X X    
Maine     X       X    
Maryland     X         X  
Massachusetts     X            
Minnesota X   X       X    
Mississippi X   X   X X X    
Montana X X X   X   X    
Nebraska     X       X    
Nevada X X X   X X X    
New Mexico                  
New York     X       X X  
North Carolina   X X X X   X    
North Dakota             X    
Oklahoma X   X   X X X    
Oregon X X X X X   X    
Rhode Island             X    
South Carolina X   X   X   X    
South Dakota         X   X    
Texas X   X X X X X    
Virginia   X X   X X X    
Washington X X X   X   X    
West Virginia X           X    
Wisconsin X           X    
Wyoming     X       X    
Number Responding 18 13 29 7 21 11 34 5 0

If you answered "Other" above, please explain here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

34. Of the consumer protections your state has in place concerning crematories or crematory operators, which one do you consider to be the most effective in protecting consumers?

(View question)

State Of the consumer protections your state has in place concerning crematories or crematory operators, which one do you consider to be the most effective in protecting consumers?
Require that
all funeral-related
businesses provide
general price
lists 		Provide one or
more state-sponsored
complaint hot
lines
Provide on-line
information to
consumers through
a state sponsored
web page		 Conduct educational
outreach programs
to seniors and/or
other consumers
 Provide information
on licensed facilities
in good standing
with the state 		Hold public hearings
to address consumer
concerns or complaints
 Conduct investigations
of legitimate
consumer complaints

 Other - Please
specify below.
Alabama             X  
Alaska               X
Arizona     X          
Arkansas             X  
California               X
Colorado             X  
Connecticut   X            
Florida   X            
Georgia               X
Hawaii               X
Idaho             X  
Illinois             X  
Indiana           X    
Kansas     X          
Kentucky       X        
Louisiana             X  
Maine             X  
Maryland             X  
Massachusetts     X          
Minnesota               X
Mississippi             X  
Montana X              
Nevada         X      
New York             X  
North Carolina               X
North Dakota             X  
Oklahoma     X          
Oregon     X          
Rhode Island             X  
South Carolina         X      
South Dakota             X  
Texas     X          
Virginia   X            
Washington     X          
Wisconsin             X  
Wyoming             X  
Number Responding 1 3 7 1 2 1 15 6

If you answered "Other" above, please explain here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

35. Above and beyond the consumer protections your state already has in place concerning crematories or crematory operators, what additional consumer protections, if any, do you believe would further enhance the protection of consumers?

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

General Questions on the Death Care Industry

The remainder of the questions will focus on the death care industry, in general, and not just crematories.

(View question)

36. From the perspective of your office, is there a need for the federal government to take a more active role in regulating the death care industry?

(View question)

State From the perspective of your office, is there a need for the federal government to take a more active role in regulating the death care industry?
Yes - Continue
with question
36a.		 No - Go to question
36b. 		No opinion

Alabama     X
Alaska     X
Arizona X    
Arkansas   X  
California X    
Colorado     X
Connecticut X    
Florida     X
Georgia   X  
Hawaii     X
Idaho     X
Illinois X    
Indiana   X  
Kansas X    
Kentucky X    
Louisiana   X  
Maine   X  
Maryland     X
Massachusetts   X  
Minnesota   X  
Mississippi   X  
Montana X    
Nebraska   X  
Nevada   X  
New Mexico     X
New York   X  
North Carolina X    
North Dakota   X  
Oklahoma X    
Oregon X    
Rhode Island   X  
South Carolina X    
South Dakota   X  
Texas X    
Virginia     X
Washington   X  
West Virginia   X  
Wisconsin   X  
Wyoming     X
Number Responding 12 17 10

36a. If you responded "Yes" in question 36, why is there is a need for the federal government to take a more active role? (Check all that apply.)

(View question)

State States do not
have the authority
to regulate the
industry effectively.		 States do not
have the resources
to regulate the
industry effectively.		 Minimum federal
standards would
help to provide
uniformity across
states.		 Minimum federal standards may help prevent future incidents or scandals from occurring in the industry. Other - Please
explain below.
Alabama          
Alaska          
Arizona   X X X  
Arkansas          
California   X X X  
Colorado          
Connecticut   X X X  
Florida          
Georgia          
Hawaii          
Idaho          
Illinois     X    
Indiana          
Kansas         X
Kentucky   X      
Louisiana          
Maine          
Maryland          
Massachusetts          
Minnesota          
Mississippi          
Montana     X X  
Nebraska          
Nevada          
New Mexico          
New York          
North Carolina       X  
North Dakota          
Oklahoma     X X  
Oregon   X     X
Rhode Island          
South Carolina          
South Dakota          
Texas     X    
Virginia          
Washington          
West Virginia          
Wisconsin          
Wyoming          
Number Responding 0 5 7 6 2

         If you answered "Other"
         above, please explain here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

Note: If you were directed to answer question 36a - Skip to question 37.

(View question)

36b. If you responded "No" in question 36, why is there not a need for the federal government to take a more active role. (Check all that apply.)

(View question)

State Current federal
rules and regulations
are sufficient.		 Current state
rules and regulations
are sufficient.		 The state is
a better entity
to regulate the
industry.		 The federal government
would not have
a large enough
local presence.		 There have not
been many issues
and/or complaints
about the industry.		 Federal standards would not help to prevent future incidents or scandals from occurring in the industry. Other - Please
explain below.
Alabama              
Alaska              
Arizona              
Arkansas   X X        
California              
Colorado              
Connecticut              
Florida              
Georgia   X X X   X  
Hawaii              
Idaho              
Illinois              
Indiana X X X X      
Kansas              
Kentucky              
Louisiana              
Maine   X X   X    
Maryland              
Massachusetts     X        
Minnesota X X X X      
Mississippi   X X     X  
Montana              
Nebraska              
Nevada X X X   X X  
New Mexico              
New York   X X     X  
North Carolina              
North Dakota     X        
Oklahoma              
Oregon              
Rhode Island     X        
South Carolina              
South Dakota   X X        
Texas              
Virginia              
Washington X X X X X    
West Virginia              
Wisconsin     X        
Wyoming              
Number Responding 4 10 14 4 3 4 0

         If you answered "Other"
         above, please explain here.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

37. From the perspective of your office, is there a need for your state government to take a more active role in regulating the death care industry?

(View question)

State From the perspective of your office, is there a need for your state government to take a more active role in regulating the death care industry?
Yes - Please
explain your
reason(s) in
question 37a.		 No - Please explain
your reason(s)
in question 37a. 		No opinion -
Go to question
38.
Alabama     X
Alaska     X
Arizona X    
Arkansas   X  
California     X
Colorado     X
Connecticut     X
Florida     X
Georgia     X
Hawaii     X
Idaho     X
Illinois X    
Indiana X    
Kansas X    
Kentucky     X
Louisiana   X  
Maine   X  
Maryland   X  
Massachusetts X    
Minnesota   X  
Mississippi   X  
Montana   X  
Nevada   X  
New York X    
North Carolina X    
North Dakota   X  
Oklahoma     X
Oregon     X
Rhode Island X    
South Carolina     X
South Dakota   X  
Texas X    
Virginia   X  
Washington   X  
West Virginia   X  
Wisconsin     X
Wyoming     X
Number Responding 9 13 15

37a. If you responded "Yes" or "No" above, please explain your reason(s) below.

(View question)

data intentionally not reported

38. Does your entity regulate any of the following segments of the death care industry? (Select one answer in each row.)

(View question)

a. Funeral homes

(View question)

State Funeral homes
Yes No No response
Alabama X    
Alaska X    
Arizona X    
Arkansas X    
California X    
Colorado X    
Connecticut X    
Florida X    
Georgia X    
Hawaii   X  
Idaho X    
Illinois X    
Indiana X    
Kansas X    
Kentucky   X  
Louisiana X    
Maine   X  
Maryland X    
Massachusetts X    
Minnesota X    
Mississippi X    
Montana X    
Nebraska X    
Nevada X    
New Mexico X    
New York   X  
North Carolina X    
North Dakota X    
Oklahoma X    
Oregon X    
Rhode Island X    
South Carolina X    
South Dakota X    
Texas X    
Virginia X    
Washington X    
West Virginia X    
Wisconsin X    
Wyoming   X  
Number Responding 34 5 0

b. Cemeteries

(View question)

State Cemeteries
Yes No No response
Alaska     X
Arizona   X  
California X    
Colorado   X  
Connecticut   X  
Florida X    
Georgia X    
Hawaii   X  
Idaho   X  
Illinois X    
Indiana X    
Kansas   X  
Kentucky X    
Louisiana X    
Maine X    
Massachusetts   X  
Minnesota   X  
Mississippi   X  
Montana X    
Nebraska   X  
Nevada X    
New York X    
North Carolina   X  
North Dakota   X  
Oklahoma   X  
Oregon X    
Rhode Island   X  
South Carolina X    
South Dakota   X  
Texas X    
Virginia   X  
Washington X    
Wisconsin X    
Wyoming   X  
Number Responding 16 17 1

c. Sales of pre-need funeral plans

(View question)

State Sales of pre-need funeral plans
Yes No No response
Alaska X    
Arizona X    
California X    
Colorado   X  
Connecticut X    
Florida X    
Georgia X    
Hawaii   X  
Idaho X    
Illinois X    
Indiana X    
Kansas X    
Kentucky X    
Maine   X  
Maryland   X  
Massachusetts X    
Minnesota X    
Mississippi   X  
Montana X    
Nebraska   X  
Nevada   X  
New Mexico   X  
New York   X  
North Carolina X    
North Dakota   X  
Oklahoma   X  
Oregon   X  
Rhode Island X    
South Dakota X    
Texas   X  
Virginia X    
Washington X    
Wisconsin X    
Wyoming   X  
Number Responding 20 14 0

d. Third party sellers of funeral goods

(View question)

State Third party sellers of funeral
goods
Yes No No response
Alaska   X  
Arizona   X  
California   X  
Colorado   X  
Connecticut   X  
Florida   X  
Georgia X    
Hawaii   X  
Idaho     X
Illinois X    
Indiana X    
Kansas   X  
Kentucky   X  
Maine   X  
Maryland     X
Massachusetts   X  
Minnesota   X  
Mississippi   X  
Montana   X  
Nebraska   X  
Nevada   X  
New Mexico   X  
New York   X  
North Carolina   X  
North Dakota   X  
Oklahoma   X  
Oregon   X  
Rhode Island   X  
South Carolina X    
South Dakota   X  
Texas   X  
Virginia   X  
Wisconsin X    
Wyoming   X  
Number Responding 5 27 2

Completing Your GAO Survey on Regulation of Crematories

39. Have you completed your GAO survey on regulation of crematories? (Answering "Yes" is equivalent to mailing a completed paper survey to us. It tells us that your answers are official and final.)

(View question)

State Have you completed your GAO survey on regulation of crematories? (Answering "Yes" is equivalent to mailing a completed paper survey to us. It tells us that your answers are official and final.)
Yes, my survey is complete - To submit your responses to GAO, please click on "Exit" below. No, my survey is not yet complete - To save your responses for later, please click on "Exit" below.
Alabama X  
Alaska X  
Arizona X  
Arkansas X  
California X  
Colorado X  
Connecticut X  
Florida X  
Georgia X  
Hawaii X  
Idaho X  
Illinois X  
Indiana X  
Kansas X  
Kentucky X  
Louisiana X  
Maine X  
Maryland X  
Massachusetts X  
Minnesota X  
Mississippi X  
Montana X  
Nebraska X  
Nevada X  
New Mexico X  
New York X  
North Carolina X  
North Dakota X  
Oklahoma X  
Oregon X  
Rhode Island X  
South Carolina X  
South Dakota X  
Texas X  
Virginia X  
Washington X  
West Virginia X  
Wisconsin X  
Wyoming X  
Number Responding 39 0

Before exiting this survey, you may view and print your responses by clicking on the "Summary" link in the menu to the left.

Clicking on "Exit" below will return you to the main menu screen where you may re-enter this survey, open another death care survey, or exit altogether.

                                     Thank you very much for your assistance.

(View question)