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The VFDA 2026 Legislative Agenda includes legislation that addresses Timely Signing of Death Certificates by those authorized and obligated to medically certify the cause of death to complete a death certificate. Many funeral service licensees are continuing to struggle to get a physician or autonomous nurse practitioner who is responsible for medically certifying a death certificate to do so in a timely manner. The Virginia Code, §32.1-263 paragraph C, requires that this be done within 24 hours via EDRS except in defined circumstances. HB156 (Krizek) and SB194 (Williams Graves), addresses the situation by requiring those responsible for medically certifying a death certificate take a CEU on the electronic death registration system (EDRS) and attest acknowledgement of the requirements when renewing their license to practice. Already there is opposition by the medical profession on this proposed legislation. We are requesting that funeral service licensees who have had issues getting death certificates medically certified share their stories about how it has affected the families, the funeral service establishments and others, when a required physician or autonomous nurse practitioner has failed to execute their required portion of the death certificate. Items such as: Delay in burial or cremation Delay in receiving benefits (life insurance, Social Security, etc.) Added expenses for delayed funeral (keeping decedent’s body in refrigeration longer than necessary, additional travel / lodging expenses, etc.) Also, if you will please share the longest amount of time you have waited and the story about what you had to do to finally get it signed, it will be appreciated. Please send your stories to our lobbyists, abezik@principle-advantage.com, for inclusion in information they will provide to legislators. Please let us know if you will email your legislators to let them know you would like their support. You can find your legislator by entering your address at the WHO’S MY LEGISLATOR page. Thank you in advance for what I hope is your favorable response. Sincerely, Gregg VFDA  President

November 18, 2025

Family-owned businesses are a vital part of the American economy. These businesses employ nearly 46% of the U.S. workforce, totaling over 59 million employees.1  Despite their economic impact and deep community roots, many family businesses face a silent threat: lack of succession planning.

Succession planning is a critical, yet often overlooked element of long-term business sustainability. Recent studies reveal the following:

• Nearly two-thirds of family businesses don’t have a documented succession plan.2
• Only 30% survive into the second generation, 12% into the third, and just 3% make it to the fourth.3
• Around 70% of small businesses listed for sale never find a buyer, often leading to closure.4

The cost of doing nothing is steep — not just financially, but emotionally and culturally. Without a clear plan, transitions can lead to:

• Internal family conflict
• Loss of legacy and community trust
• Business disruption or failure

Succession planning isn’t only about naming a successor. It’s about preserving the values, relationships, and stability that make family businesses unique. Whether through preparing the next generation, exploring employee ownership, or planning for a sale, there are options to ensure a smooth transition to the next generation.

Talk to your Federated Insurance® marketing representative to assist in connecting with an independent attorney who specializes in business succession planning.

1 U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. 2024 Small Business Profile. 2024. https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/United_States.pdf. Accessed October 20, 2025.

2 PwC. PwC’s 2023 US Family Business Survey. 2023. https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/audit-assurance/private-company-services/library/family-business-survey.html. Accessed October 20, 2025.

3 U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. Small Business Facts. 2024. https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fact-Sheet-Characteristics-of-Family-Owned-Businesses.pdf. Accessed October 20, 2025.

4 Exit Planning Institute. The State of Owner Readiness Research. 2025. https://exit-planning-institute.org/state-of-owner-readiness. Accessed October 20, 2025.

*This article originally appeared on federatedinsurance.com and is solely their property. This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered an offer of insurance or legal, financial, tax, or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all losses. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. This information is current as of its publication date and is subject to change. Some of the services referenced herein are provided by third parties wholly independent of Federated. Federated provides access to these services with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or other expert advice. All products and services not available in all states. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances. All rights reserved.