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Any person who feels that a licensee has committed an act which is in violation of state laws or regulations relating to funeral service may make a complaint to the Board. The Board ONLY accepts formal written complaints. After a complaint is received and reviewed, a copy of the complaint will be sent to the affected licensee via mail, fax, or USPS mail. The licensee then shall answer the complaint in writing within seven (7) days. After receipt of the response from the licensee or lapse of 7 days, the Board may conduct an investigation into the allegation. If an investigation is initiated, upon its completion, the complaint review committee will review the evidence to decide if an administrative hearing is necessary. If such a hearing takes place, the licensee will be informed as set forth in L. A. R. S. 37:847 relating to administrative hearings.

There are two ways to file a complaint:

Ways to Submit the Complaint form to LSBEFD
1. Fax it to 504-838-5112
2. E-mail to the completed form to the Board's Executive Director R. DeMale Bowden, Jr., CFSP, CCSP at rdbowden@lsbefd.state.la.us
3. Mail the originals to:
The Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
C/o Executive Director R. DeMale Bowden, Jr.
 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 1232 
Metairie, Louisiana 70002

ALL COMPLAINTS MUST BE NOATIZED PER STATUTE LA R. S. 37:846 B

Understanding the Complaint Process 

This complaint process means that if you believe a funeral home, crematory, embalmer, funeral director, or even an unlicensed person is violating Louisiana funeral service laws, you can file a formal complaint with the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors (LSBEFD). The Board investigates complaints and can discipline licensees when violations are found. 

Key points 

  • The Board is a regulatory agency, not a law enforcement agency.

  • It cannot arrest people, conduct criminal prosecutions, or immediately intervene in a dispute.

  • It cannot award money damages or compensation to consumers.

  • If you believe a crime has occurred, you should also contact local law enforcement and may wish to consult an attorney. 

How to file a complaint

You should submit:

  • The Board's Affidavit and Complaint form. THIS FORM MUST BE NOATRIZERD

  • Copies (not originals) of any supporting documents, such as:

    • Funeral contracts

    • Goods and services agreements

    • Authorizations

    • Purchase agreements

    • Other relevant records

  • A phone number in case investigators need additional information. 

What happens after you file

  • Acknowledgment

    • The Board notifies you that it received your complaint.

  • Investigation

    • Board staff investigates the allegations.

  • Complaint Review Committee Review

    • The committee reviews evidence from all parties and determines whether there may have been violations of Louisiana funeral service laws and regulations.

  • Written Decision
    • You receive written notice of the committee's decision via an e-mail or United States Postal Mail. 

Timing 

There is no guaranteed timeline. Investigations can take considerable time because evidence must be gathered and reviewed before the Board makes a determination. 

If you are considering filing a complaint and would like help evaluating whether your situation falls within the Board's jurisdiction, describe what happened and I can help identify which issues the Board may be able to address. 

 CONSUMERS & THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about funeral service-related consumer topics by clicking on the following link:

COMPLYING WITH THE FUNERAL RULE

Other links that will provide you with important information: