Important Information about Illinois Funerals
In the State of Illinois, funeral directors and embalmers are required to have a license under the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code. The purpose of this code is to protect the public from unfair and illegal business practices. Here are some highlights of prohibited actions:
Practicing the profession of funeral directing or embalming without a license
Professional incompetence, gross malpractice, or untrustworthiness
False or misleading advertising as a funeral director and embalmer
Refusing, without cause, to surrender the custody of a deceased human body upon the proper request of the person or persons lawfully entitled to the custody of the body.
Taking undue advantage of a client or clients as to amount to the perpetration of fraud
Soliciting human bodies after death or while death is imminent.
Taking possession of a dead human body without having first obtained express permission from next of kin
Illinois Laws that cover cemeteries and funerals
Cemetery Care Act
Funeral or Burial Funds Act
Pre-Need Cemetery Sales Act
How to file a complaint about a funeral director or embalmers
To file a complaint about a funeral director or embalmer contact the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation or by calling phone number: 312/814-6910.
Abandon Cemeteries
The Illinois State Comptroller has developed Project CARE (Cemetery Advocate and Restoration Effort) to address the ongoing issue of abandon cemeteries in the state. For more information see the Comptroller’s website.