For most businesses, there are three concerns with purchasing an AED - - fear of using the device, cost of the device and potential liability for improperly administering the device.

04/21/2011

OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL ISSUES OPINION ON PRENEED LAW

By T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

A recent opinion has been issued by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine concerning Ohio’s two-year old preneed law.

03/22/2011

SPECIAL ALERT ON PRENEED ANNUAL REPORTS

By T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

Do preneed contracts that are funded by the assignment of an existing life insurance policy need to be included in the preneed annual report that is to be submitted to the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors?

03/03/2011

What’s in a name?

By T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

If it is the name of a respected and well known funeral home in an Ohio community, the answer is value and goodwill.

03/03/2011

Supreme Court decision on funeral protests

By T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

and its possible impact on Ohio's funeral protest law

02/23/2011

It's that time of Year!

A message from Terry Reardon, OFDA President

The Ohio Funeral Directors Association Political Action Committee (OFDA PAC) is conducting its 2011 Annual Fundraising Drive.

12/21/2010

Ohio Department of Health Online Education now available!

1 CEU available online at NO COST

ODH Vital Statistics – Report of Fetal Death training

03/13/2009

Body Donations by Government Officials

By T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

The obligation for townships and municipalities to pay disposition costs for deceased indigent residents is statutory; it is not discretionary.

02/20/2009

Coroner or No Coroner, How Do You Know?

by: Mark Kassouf, Assistant State Registrar/Chief Fraud Officer, ODH

How do we know if a death should be a coroner's case?

01/26/2009

NFDA Special Bulletin - TSA "Known Shipper" Regulations

Provided by NFDA

Effective July 1, 2009, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandated that all human remains shipments originating in the U.S. or its territories must be tendered by a "known shipper."

01/21/2009

Preneed Compliance Manual for Ohio's New Preneed Statute

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

BECAUSE OF THE NEW CONTRACT DISCLOSURES AND MANDATORY NOTICES REQUIRED BY THE LAW, A FUNERAL HOME THAT DOES NOT REVISE ITS PRENEED CONTRACTS BEFORE JULY 5, 2009 WILL BE IN VIOLATION OF THE LAW

01/21/2009

Master Trust Update

By: Stephen J. Gehlert, Excecutive Director

The Master Trust continues to protect your pre-need investment with a minimum crediting rate that is unique, safe and extremely valuable in today's economy.

01/21/2009

Legislative Update

Prepared by John T. McGough

REVIEW OF 2007-2008 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

01/19/2009

Executive Director's Message - A New Year & New OFDA Communications

By: Stephen J. Gehlert, Excecutive Director

As we begin a new year, OFDA's unveiling new initiatives we believe will dramatically enhance our communication with our members.

01/19/2009

Young Funeral Directors Committee Guest Column

by Jill Pugh, Schoedinger Funeral Service, Columbus

Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won't you be my,mentor?

01/19/2009

Resource Center

By: Janet Blankenship, Resource Coordinator

Mark Your Calendars for the Following Events/Seminars in 2009!

12/30/2008

Ohio Enacts New Pre-Need Law

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

SB 196, which was signed by Governor Strickland on January 6, 2009, will go into effect on April 6, 2009.

12/30/2008

Required Forms for Posting in your Funeral Home

There are some new forms for 2009

Funeral homes are getting mail from companies that are trying to sell the required posters for large fees. Download them here for free.

12/30/2008

OFDA Master Trust Update

Stephen J. Gehlert, OFDA Executive Director

Despite an unusually volatile market in 2008, the Master Trust continues to protect your pre-need investment with a minimum crediting rate that is unique, safe and extremely valuable in today's economy.

12/17/2008

Issues Under The Right of Disposition Law

By T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

With the second anniversary of the Ohio Right of Disposition law having just occurred, it may be worthwhile to take a look at certain issues that have arisen under the new law.

12/17/2008

Young Funeral Directors Committee

Guest Column by Rick Kaufhold, CFSP, Routsong Funeral Home, Kettering

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..."

No, I don't mean the holidays are upon us. I mean it's politics season!

12/17/2008

Proper Glove Storage and Life Expectancy

By Barb Garrison, M.S., CHMM, CET

"Did you know some glove manufacturers have assigned expiration dates for their gloves?"

12/17/2008

Our Financial Strength In Troubling Financial Times

Kris Seale, President and CEO - FDLIC

Our conservative investment philosophy allows us to withstand uncertain economic times and the emotional ups and downs of Wall Street.

12/17/2008

Resource Center

By: Janet Blankenship, Resource Coordinator

I've just returned from the annual fall conference of the Ohio Hospice & Palliative Care Organization and would like to share a few things I found there.

12/17/2008

Market Overview

JPMorgan Asset Management

The past several months have brought sweeping changes to the financial services industry that continue to reverberate throughout the global financial system.

11/12/2008

Executive Director's Message

By: Stephen J. Gehlert, Executive Director

Not Just Returning Home; Returning Home with Honor

11/12/2008

Young Funeral Directors Committee Guest Column

By Amanda Crates, Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay

With the Holiday Season ever approaching, we as funeral professionals look to the care of our clientele during this ever emotional time of the year.

11/12/2008

Ohio Law Restricting Location of Crematory Does Not Apply to Funeral Home

By T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

"Prior to the retort being installed in the funeral home, the objecting neighbor threatened legal action if the crematory was installed."

11/12/2008

What Does OSHA Mean by a "Suitable" Emergency Shower and Eyewash?

By Barb Garrison, M.S., CHMM, CET

A good question that doesn't have a clear answer!

11/12/2008

Resource Center

By: Janet Blankship, Resource Coordinator

Looking for remembrance items to give to a family or for a family to hand out at visitation or a service?

11/10/2008

MAKING CLAIMS ON NPS PRENEED INSURANCE POLICIES

By T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

"The wording in some of the releases and instructions has caused confusion and consternation to funeral homes holding NPS preneed contracts. In this update, we attempt to clarify the confusion."

09/08/2008

Executive Director's Message - Honor the Past; Manage the Present; Create the Future

Don't reject the wonderful traditions that make funeral service so valuable to our families. Rather, find new ways to enhance these experiences for families living in a web-based culture.

08/11/2008

President's Message: Are You Taking Full Advantage of Your OFDA Membership?

By: Walt Lindsey, CFSP, OFDA President

Why not look into some of these services and see how they can help funeral directors and the families we serve?

08/11/2008

Should you be Storing Your Chemicals in a Flammable Cabinet?

By Barb Garrison, M.S., CHMM, CET

"You might check to see what other potentially flammable materials you have onsite and check the products' MSDSs."

08/11/2008

IRS Increases Business Mileage Rate

By T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

Due to the unprecedented increase in gas prices, the IRS has created an exception this year and calculated a new mid-year increase.

08/11/2008

Young Funeral Directors Committee Speaks at CCMS

Guest Column By Young Funeral Directors Committee Member Erika Unzner, Rutherford Funeral Homes

Deciding to enter the funeral profession should be looked at as a calling and not as an inheritance.

08/11/2008

Indigent Funeral Statute Renumbered

By T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

In the 2007 budget bill (HB 119), 5101.521 was renumbered and taken out of Chapter 51. It is now located in 9.15 of the General Provisions preamble to the Ohio Revised Code.

07/09/2008

How to Evaluate Internet-Based Continuing Education Services

By: Gary Henkel, CEO of FuneralCE

Although potential benefits of online CE services are great, not all companies offer the same levels of service.

07/09/2008

Fire Extinguisher Inspections

By Barb Garrison, M.S., CHMM, CET

Let Barb help your firm avoid an OSHA citation.

03/28/2008

URGENT UPDATE

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

The problems confronting National Prearranged Services, Inc. (NPS) and its affiliated insurance company, Lincoln Memorial Life Insurance Company (Lincoln Memorial), continue to mount.

03/27/2008

Resource Center

by Janet Blankenship - Resource Coordinator

Meet the speakers after their presentations and have your book(s) signed Wednesday & Thursday at the OFDA Booth.

12/10/2007

President's Message - The Difference Between 211F and 212F

by Keith Walker, CFSP, OFDA President

"With all I have to be thankful for, am I doing all I can do to be the best I can be in each of the roles I fill in life?"

10/04/2007

President's Message - Either Way, the Decision Should Be Deliberate

by Keith Walker, CFSP

We have all been granted just so many years. Let's make sure we live the years we have as deliberately and with as much purpose as possible.

09/11/2007

Executive Director's Message - Seeking Hidden Treasure

By Stephen J. Gehlert, Executive Director

There seems to be recurring interest in the concept of Pirates and their constant search for treasure.

07/03/2007

UPDATE ON PRENEED ISSUES

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

In the past few months, there have been new and renewed regulatory initiatives that could impact the methods that Ohio funeral homes use in selling preneed funeral goods and services to consumers.

05/31/2007

SSA-721 FORM NOT REQUIRED BY SSA FOR OHIO DEATHS

Due to the success of EDRS, the Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer requires an SSA-721 form to report an Ohio death.

05/29/2007

SCAM ALERT

Summer Scams are back

Our office has recently learned that funeral related scams are on the rise again.

05/02/2007

OHIO'S INDOOR SMOKING BAN GOES INTO EFFECT

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

ATTENTION: OFDA just received the following information from our Legal Counsel, Scott Gilligan regarding Ohio's Smoking Ban. Please take note as this IS EFFECTIVE Thursday, May 3, 2007.

03/09/2007

New Minimum Wage Poster Requirements

By Barb Garrison, M.S., CHMM, CET

Have you been approached by companies trying to sell you posters that they say you are required to post in your workplace, including the new minimum wage poster? Maybe we can help clarify things for you.

02/20/2007

ODH EDRS Online Help

Visit the Ohio Department of Health online resources for EDRS assistance.

01/16/2007

Executive Director's Message - Ducks on Roller Skates

by Stephen J. Gehlert, Executive Director

Recently I heard a story I believe has great value to think about as we begin a new year.

01/16/2007

Disinfectant Survey Please Participate!

By Barb Garrison, M.S., CHMM, CET

Is the disinfectant you're using in the prep room appropriate? Maybe, maybe not.

01/16/2007

Resource Center - Upcoming Events

by Janet Blankenship - Resource Coordinator

Mark Your Calendars for the following Events/Seminars!

01/16/2007

EDRS Help Desk

Ohio Department of Health

Contact information for the new Electronic Death Registration System Help Desk

01/16/2007

DEALING WITH UNCLAIMED REMAINS

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

Ohio law requires funeral directors to certify in writing that they made a good faith effort to locate relatives.

12/06/2006

Follow-Up Information To Ohio's New Smoke Free Law

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

Since the previous article was posted, many members have posed several questions regarding the new Smoke Free Law. In this article, we address those questions.

11/17/2006

OHIO'S NEW SMOKE FREE LAW

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

"As places where the public is invited and where individuals are employed, Ohio funeral homes are subject to the new smoke free law."

11/13/2006

Executive Director's Message - The Value of Community

by Stephen J. Gehlert, Executive Director

I would like to address another aspect of Association activity we don't often consider. That is the incredible Value of Community available to each of us through our Association commitment.

11/13/2006

President's Tour

May 16-24, 2007

Join us for a wonderful trip to Switzerland - 4 Countries from One Hotel!

11/13/2006

Create a Health Portrait of Your Family!

By Barb Garrison, M.S., CHMM, CET

The U.S. Surgeon General's Office has developed a FREE web-based tool called My Family Health Portrait that allows you to create a personalized family health history report.

11/13/2006

Resource Center

by Janet Blankenship - Resource Coordinator

Traumatic loss & sudden death resources are highlighted.

10/10/2006

President's Message - A Meaningful Invitation

By: Jon Deitloff, CFSP, OFDA President

"Very few of us in funeral service have trouble understanding the reward involved in serving others."

08/15/2006

President's Message: Every Voice Is Important

By Jon Deitloff, CFSP, OFDA President

Your association values your opinions and listens to all comments.

06/15/2006

President's Message - So What's Your Story?

By Jon Deitloff, CFSP, OFDA President

Funeral service has a wonderful story to tell but unfortunately it gets told far too seldom.

06/15/2006

Legislative Update

A report on HB 426

05/30/2006

BioGift ALERT

OFDA members have notified us of correspondence they have received from a company called BioGift. Scott Gilligan, OFDA Legal Counsel, has researched this company and suggests that funeral homes do not respond to the requests from this company.

05/19/2006

CREMATION JEWELRY SCAM ALERT

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

OFDA members are strongly urged to ignore and disregard any cremation jewelry orders from outside of the country, especially Nigeria

04/10/2006

President's Message - Hit the Ground Running And Didn't Look Back!

By: Kenneth A. Cahall, OFDA President

It seems that it was only yesterday that I became the President of OFDA at the 125th annual convention, but a year has come and gone.

04/10/2006

Safeguards Against Preneed Fraud

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

OFDA members should ensure that the following three requirements are strictly followed in all preneed transactions by the funeral home.

04/10/2006

Summer Camps for Grieving Children

We encourage you to contact the camp hosts directly, should you desire to support their efforts financially or with your gift of time.

03/22/2006

Funeral Directors Flock to EDRS

Ohio Department of Health

Since the Ohio Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics began offering the Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS); funeral directors have registered in record numbers.

03/17/2006

CLARIFICATION ON SALES TAX OF PRENEED CONTRACTS

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

The March, 2006 OFDA Newsletter contained an article on sales tax compliance by Ohio funeral homes. The issues discussed in the article generated quite a few calls to OFDA so Scott Gilligan provides additional information.

03/06/2006

It's Not About Your Product - It's About the People Who Use It!

by Stephen J. Gehlert, Executive Director

Learn about the "Fundamental Disconnects of Business today"

03/06/2006

Ohio Sales Tax Compliance by Funeral Homes

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

Within the tax rules there are several exceptions which funeral homes must be aware of to avoid liability for unpaid sales tax and to avoid collecting sales tax when it is not due.

03/06/2006

OFDA's126th Annual Convention & Exhibition

May 10-12, 2006

Join us for "An Event to Remember"

03/06/2006

Resource Center

By: Janet Blankenship, Resource Coordinator

Items have been added to the Sale!

02/09/2006

President's Message - No Script for Fulfilling The Family's Wishes

By: Kenneth A. Cahall, OFDA President

As we work with families in our funeral homes, we are ever conscious of letting families express themselves and of conforming to their wishes.

02/09/2006

Handling Remains That Contain Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter

By: Erin Brown, Industrial Hygienist, Safex

Though Acinetobacter infections rarely occur outside of healthcare settings, embalmers and those who handle remains should be aware of this drug-resistant group of bacteria.

02/09/2006

Resource Center

By: Janet Blankenship, Resource Coordinator

Death, Dying & Bereavement Events/Seminars for 2006

01/06/2006

Executive Director's Message - The Power of Legacy

by Stephen J. Gehlert, Executive Director

"The big question is whether we are working on inspiring, mentoring, and encouraging the future generations of caregivers in this unique profession."

01/06/2006

Right of Disposition Case Underscores Need for New Law

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

OFDA has been working over the last year with the Ohio Bar Association to put together a right of disposition law.

01/06/2006

FTC Sweep in Ohio

FTC Sweep of 12 Columbus Area Funeral Homes Finds 6 Homes In Full Compliance with Consumer Protection Law

12/30/2005

New Master Trust Investment for the New Year!

All of the Upside Potential with Downside Protection

A new, professionally managed Trust Product by Bank One/JP Morgan Asset Management for Master Trust II is available January 1, 2006.

12/21/2005

Member Reponse Needed

For Ohio Department of Health - Pandemic Flu Planning

In order to obtain some baseline numbers for the Ohio Department of Health, we are asking ALL of our members to complete a survey.

12/13/2005

President's Message- A Tiny Bit Of What We Owe

By: Kenneth A. Cahall, OFDA President

Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.

12/13/2005

Executive Director's Message - Time to Reflect on Our Many Blessings

by Stephen J. Gehlert, Executive Director

As another Holiday Season approaches, and as we contemplate the arrival of a new year, let's all take a moment to reflect on the many blessings we have to be thankful for.

12/13/2005

Issues Surrounding the Authorization of Cremation

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

Since cremation is an irreversible process and wrongful cremation cases involve liability awards averaging $350,000, it is prudent for funeral homes to check and confirm their interpretation of the statute

12/13/2005

Resource Center

By: Janet Blankenship, Resource Coordinator

A free brochure on how to plan a candle lighting service; poster and additional information are available to you.

10/31/2005

Mission Statements Are Not Just for Businesses

by Stephen J. Gehlert, Executive Director

"We have to be completely dedicated to living our Mission Statements everyday."

10/31/2005

Are You Ready for the Bird Flu?

By Barbara K. Garrison, M.S., CHMM, CET, Safex

We have been hearing a lot about the threat of a bird flu pandemic have you thought about what implications such an event would have on funeral home operations?

10/31/2005

Ohio Introduces its New Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS)

by Mark Kassouf, Assistant State Registrar

The State of Ohio is making the Web based EDRS system available free of charge to all funeral directors.

10/27/2005

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL LICENSEES

From the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Electronic Death Registration System Announcement

10/10/2005

President's Message - People are Mending But Need Our Help

By: Kenneth A. Cahall, OFDA President

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were very devastating storms that wreaked total destruction over such a vast area. OFDA extends our deepest concerns and sympathies to those that have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. In disasters, funeral service is always there to serve.

10/10/2005

Workplace Wellness Promotes Healthy Lifestyle for Employees

By Gary Hanson, President, American Safety & Health Management Consultants, Inc.

Obesity is an important issue among the American workforce, and the declining health of employees should be a concern to all employers.

10/10/2005

Flesh-Eating Bacteria: Another Good Reason to Observe Universal Precautions!

By Barbara K. Garrison, M.S., CHMM, CET, Safex

If you are an embalmer or assist in the handling of remains and you need another good reason why you should observe universal precautions: necrotizing fasciitis (NF).

09/15/2005

Executive Director's Message - The Qualities of Leadership

by Stephen J. Gehlert

Last month, the Executive Committee of OFDA and myself had the opportunity to attend the Annual NFDA Leadership Conference. Bob Ash, one of these keynote speakers, gave a powerful presentation on the final day of the conference and I would like to share some of his ideas with you.

09/15/2005

Protecting Bereaved Families from Fraud

By: T. Scott Gilligan, OFDA General Counsel

Many funeral homes routinely alert families about the risks of fraudulent acts that may be directed against them during the time of a funeral. Learn more here.

08/11/2005

President's Message - I Will Always Have a Voice And So Will You

By: Kenneth A. Cahall, OFDA President

In July's newsletter the OFDA committee rosters were listed. On those two full pages, there were sixteen different committees made up of our dedicated colleagues, who serve our best interests. To me, this is what makes an association strong.

08/11/2005

OFDA Legislative Update

July 2005

Learn about many new changes with the new State of Ohio budget

08/11/2005

Do You Really Have to Weigh Your Infectious Waste?

By Barbara K. Garrison, M.S., CHMM, CET

Yes, you really do. The requirement is found in the Ohio Administrative Code 3745-27-30. Learn more here.

05/09/2005

President's Message - An Honor to Be President of OFDA

by Bob VanHorn, OFDA President

I'd like to share some of my experiences and projects the executive committee has been able to accomplish this year.

05/09/2005

Incoming President's Message - Let's Make a Difference!

By OFDA President, Kenneth A. Cahall, CFSP

The stakes were high at the 125th Annual Ohio Funeral Directors Convention and Exhibition April 13 15 in Columbus.

05/09/2005

Executive Director's Message - Blessed To Be a Blessing

by Stephen J. Gehlert, Executive Director

Excerpts from the 2005 Convention Message including "Remember that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we GIVE!"

05/09/2005

Motivating Employees is Key to Successful Safety Program

By Gary W. Hanson, President of American Safety and Health Management Consultants, Inc.

One of the most important aspects of any safety program is developing the proper attitude toward safety.

05/09/2005

Resource Center Corner

Janet Blankenship, Resource Coordinator

Thanks to All Who Stopped by the OFDA Booth During Convention! Convention Specials available until May 31, 2005

01/13/2005

Executive Director's Message - Servant Leadership is Key

by Stephen J. Gehlert, Executive Director

As we begin a new year, it is a great time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past and to prepare a plan for continued success in the future.

12/06/2004

Presidents Message

by Bob VanHorn, OFDA President

The magic of the holiday season is here once again. It's time for the annual miracle to occur. You'll see and hear it everywhere, mirrored in a child's eyes in a friendlier greeting a warmer handshake a brighter smile.

11/01/2004

Master Trust is now ONLINE

Access your account balances via the new features at the ASI website: www.administrativesystems.com

06/11/2004

President's Message - Today Is Built On Yesterday

by Bob Van Horn, CFSP, OFDA President

Our past traditions mold us into what we are today. The people who have been in our lives have taught us and guided us along the way.

02/09/2004

The OSHA Website A Valuable Tool

Kathleen Murdock, Safex, Inc.

OSHA plays a vital role in preventing on-the-job injuries and illnesses through outreach, education, and compliance assistance and all of this is offered through the OSHA website. Learn more about what it can do for you here!

2000

December 2000

(PDF File Size: 1724K)

November 2000

(PDF file size: 530K)

Top