Each state has their own way of regulating funeral services, but one constant is establishing a department to oversee the funeral industry. In the Lone Star State, that task goes to the Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC).
Keep reading to learn all about how the Texas Funeral Service Commission influences disposition in the state while also protecting consumers.
What is the Texas Funeral Service Commission?
The Texas Funeral Service Commission was established in 1903, but back then the Commission was called the State Board of Embalming and regulated the practices of embalmers. The primary goal was ensuring contagious diseases didn’t affect the public. This makes sense given that in 1903 there was a typhoid epidemic. Smallpox and tuberculosis were also deadly diseases at that time.
However, 35 years later in 1938 the laws changed and the organization began overseeing the practices of funeral directors as well. That’s when it became what’s now known as the Texas Funeral Service Commission.
What Does the Texas Funeral Service Commission Do?
Now that you know the backstory, let’s take a look at what the Texas Funeral Service Commission does today. The name might suggest that the Commission’s primary objective is supporting funeral homes and funeral directors, when in actuality their top objective is protecting the public.
They are basically a backstop between unethical funeral homes and the families that need their services. If an unethical individual somehow slips through the cracks and becomes licensed in the state or tries to operate illegally, the TFSC is there to make sure they are held accountable and their license is revoked.
The Texas Funeral Service Commission recognizes that disposition is a major expense and a very personal decision. They do their best to be fair and impartial in everything that they do while expecting high standards from Texas funeral homes and funeral directors. The Commission is very transparent, and tries to keep the public informed of the actions they take.
Here’s a breakdown of their top responsibilities.
Licensing Funeral Homes and Funeral Directors in Texas
The primary role of the Texas Funeral Service Commission is issuing licenses to funeral home establishments and funeral directors that operate in the state. They also issue all of the license renewals that must occur to keep operating legally in Texas.
This is such an important function of the Commission that they have an entire Licensing Division to oversee the process.
Monitoring the Practices of Funeral Homes and Funeral Directors
Once the Texas Funeral Service Commission issues a funeral home or funeral director a license they then have to monitor their work to ensure they follow the laws. As mentioned above, one of the most important roles the TFSC plays is making sure all licensed individuals follow the rules and are held accountable if they don’t so that consumers are protected.
The Commission’s Compliance Division is constantly monitoring the business practices of funeral homes and the work of funeral directors. Their focus is making sure all regulations are met, investigating unlicensed funeral home operations and following up on complaints.
Inspecting Funeral Homes
One way that the Texas Funeral Services Commission monitors the practices of funeral homes and the funeral directors that work there is by conducting inspections. Someone from the Commission will physically inspect funeral homes to ensure everything is in compliance.
Consumer Tools and Resources
The Texas Funeral Service Commission doesn’t just provide licensure for funeral homes. They also have tools on their website for consumers that want to verify a business can operate in the state.
License Lookup
The TFSC provides state residents with an easy way to verify that a funeral home and/or funeral director is licensed. The TFSC License Search and Verification Tool allows you to ensure they have a license in Texas, which is required. Some funeral homes say they provide services, but they aren’t physically located in Texas and their license is in another state.
Find Out If a Funeral Home or Funeral Director Has Had Violations
The TFSC also keeps records of violations and actions taken against offending funeral homes and funeral directors. Checking these lists is just as important as reading reviews when you’re trying to find a funeral home.
Ability to File a Complaint
You can also file a complaint with the Texas Funeral Service Commission if you believe a funeral home or a funeral director violated state laws. While you may not be compensated for losses, filing legitimate complaints helps protect other families.
Public Information and Announcements
The TFSC works to keep the public informed of any important information regarding disposition laws in the state and the businesses that provide funeral services. They understand when consumers are fully informed they can make better decisions about disposition.
There’s information on funerals in general, cemeteries, military funeral honors and more. There’s also an in-depth How To User Guide on how to utilize The Commission’s online tools and resources.
But the information isn’t just for consumers. The Texas Funeral Service Commission also provides information on how to become licensed as a Texas funeral director or funeral home.
How to Contact the Texas Funeral Service Commission
The Texas Funeral Service Commission is there to serve the people, and they make themselves readily available to help. In addition to their online resources, the TFSC office is located in the George H.W.Bush Building in Austin, TX. The Commission can be reached online, by phone or by mail.
Mailing Address:
1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 11.800
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone Numbers:
(local) 512-936-2474
(toll-free) 1-888-667-4881
Email:
You can actually reach out directly to the Executive Director of the TFSC with any concerns or questions that you have about the Commission. The Executive Director is considered the primary customer service representative and as such is available to all Texas citizens.
We’re pleased to say Cremation.Green is in good standing with the Texas Funeral Service Commission. One thing that’s unique about our funeral home is it’s homegrown. We originated in Texas, and it’s the only state we serve. Our goal is to be the premier provider of eco-friendly funeral services in Texas and a strong advocate for families across the state.
