FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards
Contact: Andrew Joseph, andrew@theconferenceonline.org

Fall 2024 Harvey Leavitt, III NBE Scholarships Awarded

FAYETTEVILLE, AR (October 11, 2024) – Five candidates were selected to receive the Fall 2024 Harvey Leavitt, III National Board Examination (NBE) scholarship. The scholarship allows recipients to sit for the NBE with the examination fee waived (a $570 value).

The Harvey Leavitt, III scholarship program is open to first-time exam candidates eligible to sit for the NBE within one year of application. To enter, exam candidates are asked to submit a brief essay. The 2024 topic reflects on the role funeral service regulation and licensure play in providing assurances to grieving families that their loved ones will receive proper care.

We are pleased to announce the following selections for the Fall 2024 Harvey Leavitt, III NBE Scholarship and share their responses:

Adonis Dalton – Wayne State

Regulation and licensure requirements for funeral directors and embalmers include certain standards of education, training, and ethical conduct in order to protect the public and uphold the dignity of the deceased. A key aspect of funeral service regulation is licensing requirements for funeral directors and embalmers. Requirements typically include education from accredited mortuary science programs, passing national board exams and completing apprenticeships under experience professionals to ensure proper knowledge and care. These standards and regulations put in place help funeral directors demonstrate their competency and commitment to providing quality care to grieving families. Additionally, regulations govern handling and preparation of the deceased ensuring that proper sanitation and preservation techniques are followed to maintain the integrity of the decedent. This can provide peace of mind to families but also ensures that the deceased is treated with respect and dignity throughout the funeral process. Regulations also require transparent pricing practices, allowing families to make informed decisions about funeral services without risk of exploitation or unethical practices. Holding funeral homes and its affiliates to these standards and regulations it helps to alleviate the financial burden on grieving families. In conclusion, funeral service regulation and licensure serve as safeguards for families, providing assurance that their loved one will receive proper care, respect, and professional service through the funeral process.

Bridgette Dugas – Commonwealth

Funeral service regulations and licensure are crucial in ensuring that grieving families receive proper care and respectful treatment for their loved ones. These regulations establish standards for ethical practices, professional conduct, and the quality of services provided by funeral directors and embalmers.

Licensing requirements ensure that funeral service professionals have the necessary education, training, and experience. This guarantees that they are knowledgeable about legal, ethical, and technical aspects of their work, including proper embalming techniques and the handling of human remains. Regulations enforce ethical standards to prevent fraud and abuse. Licensed professionals are held accountable to a code of conduct that mandates honesty, transparency, and respect for the deceased and their families. Embalming and funeral services are subject to health and safety regulations designed to prevent the spread of disease and ensure sanitary conditions. Compliance with these regulations helps maintain the integrity of the process and the well-being of the public. Licensure often includes requirements for ongoing education and adherence to best practices, which helps funeral service providers stay updated on the latest techniques and technologies. This commitment to quality contributes to more reliable and compassionate care for the deceased and their families.

Overall, these regulations and licensure provide grieving families with the assurance that their loved ones are being treated with dignity and respect, and that the services provided meet established standards of care and professionalism.

Amanda Lockyer – Commonwealth

Calm in chaos. Order in disorganization. These are the qualities needed at the time of death when a loved one passes away. The uniform funeral director/embalmer licensing program within each of the 50 states– additionally regulated by the FTC– is a valuable tool that requires directors to be the best help they can be to their public. Understanding what laws will need to be followed from the minute a client walks in the door will put both the client and the director’s mind at ease because it will limit the number of gray areas that can pop up in funeral planning and services. Also, the thorough training on the respect, care and sanitation of a person’s body after passing is both a quality of honor, and more importantly, a protection to the public as a whole. When a person has passed ABFSE approved courses that provide clear training on Embalming, Funeral Directing with all faiths/cultures, Mortuary Law, Restorative Art, Business Management, Pathology and the FTC Rule, he/she can feel confident that they will be able to perform the role as Funeral Director and/or Embalmer with pride and accuracy. Also, families will have the confidence that any director they turn to within their state has the licensing and knowledge to best serve them. Personally, I had acquired a 4 year degree in Organizational Communications before attempting a Mortuary Science Degree. This degree path is a new career and life choice for me. My training in mortuary school thus far has been extremely challenging. As a matter of fact, it has required more study hours and memorization than I ever had to do with my first degree. However, I know the difficult information that I am learning will help me to grow my knowledge and skills exponentially and will also equip me to be ready for graduation. That is why I am anxious to finish well and pass the National Board Exam for the first time by January or February of 2025 as soon as I graduate. I would be greatly helped with a scholarship to offset the cost of the exam–especially since this is a second career path for me. I am a mother of 3 with a son in college also. My husband and I both work jobs to help support our family. Please consider helping me with this final piece of licensing and thank you for your time.

Sarah Sulima – Goodwin College

Ana Zink – American River College

As a current mortuary school student, I have gained a well-rounded understanding of my future profession. I’ve explored the artistic side through color theory in restorative art while delving into the scientific aspects through anatomy, microbiology, and embalming courses. Throughout my studies, mortuary law has been a consistent focus, reminding me of the importance of legal and ethical standards in every aspect of funeral service. Over the last two years our professors, most long-time veterans of the industry, have emphasized the importance of laws, regulations, and ethics to keep the trust and safety of ourselves, our peers, and most importantly the decedents in our care. Here are a few main points I’ve obtained from school, speaking to other professionals, and the readings from my textbooks. When we become licensed funeral directors, we are required to follow legal and ethical standards that govern embalming, handling of remains, and providing clear and honest communication with families about costs and services. Knowing what those standards are from the time we receive that first call to when we are at the final stage, keeps that ongoing trust we acquire with the communities we serve. Licensure is a key aspect of ensuring compliance with state and federal laws regarding the handling of human remains, funeral practices, and the protection of consumer rights. Funeral homes are subject to regular inspections and must adhere to regulations set by governing bodies, such as the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule, which requires transparency in pricing and service offerings. Example: Licensed funeral directors must provide families with an itemized General Price List (GPL), ensuring transparency and assurance they are not subjected to hidden fees or unethical sales practices. This practice protects grieving families from exploitation.
Licensing bodies, such as state boards of funeral services, provide a framework for accountability. If a funeral director or embalmer acts unethically or negligently, families can file complaints, an investigation can be opened, and if needed disciplinary actions, such as suspension or revocation of the license will be implemented to mitigate further damages. This system of oversight gives families a sense of security, knowing there is recourse if something goes wrong.
Example: If a funeral director mishandles remains or misleads a family, they risk losing their license, which would prevent them from continuing in the profession. This deters misconduct and reassures families that professionals are motivated to adhere to high standards.

MORE INFO

Harvey Hamilton Leavitt, III volunteered on The Conference’s National Board Examination Committee for twenty-two years. He was a dedicated funeral director and embalmer from Wadesboro, North Carolina where he owned and operated Leavitt Funeral Home, established in 1914, as a third-generation funeral practitioner. Harvey defined professionalism, was an eternal optimist and his volunteer spirit was catching. He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity and generosity of time and talent. In 2023 the board of directors officially named the National Board Examination Scholarship program in his memory.

The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards is headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Founded in 1904, the membership of The Conference is composed of funeral service licensing boards and regulatory agencies throughout the United States and Canada. For more information on The Conference, visit www.theconferenceonline.org.