We are two day’s into the 2020 WV Legislative Session and we already have bills that could possibly affect our profession.
The one of most concern at this time is Senate Bill 218; this bill has been introduced and sponsored by Senator Mark Maynard.
(It is similar in scope to the bill sponsored by Delegate Gary Howell in 2019)
Senate Bill 218, is a bill which would allow individuals to practice a profession without a license, as long as the consumer signs a disclosure that they know the individual they are conducting business with is not a licensed professional. The only exempt professions are doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and to practice law. This leaves Funeral Service Licensees and a host of other professions open to the effects of this bill.
As an Association it is not only our job to lobby for our profession, but to educate and tell our story during the legislative session, because lawmakers are not versed on every topic or profession. Obviously, Senator Maynard needs educated in the public health, welfare and safety obligations he has to the citizens of our state. As Funeral Service Licensee’s (funeral directors/embalmers…since we are in a single license state), I know of few professions that deal with the bio-hazardous materials, the volume of blood, and use and disposal of cancer causing materials that we deal with on a daily basis.
While I am not an advocate of frivolous governmental regulation, where is the common sense in this bill? Funeral Service Licensee’s should be one of the exempted professions and therefore you must have a license to practice in this bill. Even better, this bill should never be given consideration.
Please contact your Senator and let them know that Senate Bill 218 is not acceptable and should never move past the introduction stage.
I will continue to keep you updated as legislation that could affect us is brought forward. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Respectfully,
Rob