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Legislative Updates
New FastDemocracy Professional Bill List Widget
A new FastDemocracy Professional Bill List Widget has been created for you to keep up with all of the bills pertaining to our profession. This is a great tool to stay informed and to take part in legislation that will affect our profession.
Virginia Overtime Wage Act and Its Impact on Licensed Staff
As SESCO has previously reported, beginning July 1, 2021, all Virginia employers will be subject to new state overtime pay requirements. Governor Ralph Northam signed into law the Virginia Overtime Wage Act on March 31, 2021. So why is this new law so critical to funeral home owners and licensed staff?
VFDA Mentorship Program
The Virginia Funeral Directors Association is bringing back their Mentorship Program. This is a great opportunity for interns, students and young professionals to have a knowledgeable resource available to them.
New mask guidance from the CDC
“We all miss the things that we used to do before the pandemic,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said, announcing the new guidance. “If you are fully vaccinated and want to attend a small outdoor gathering with people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated, or dine at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households, the science shows – if you’re vaccinated – you can do so safely, unmasked.”
VFDA Wage Survey Results – April 2021
Thank you to those members who took the time to respond to our wage survey this month. See the results
NFDA to Launch National Emerging Leaders Program
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is set to launch the National Emerging Leaders Program on April 12 to help funeral service professionals develop leadership skills that will serve them well in any setting they may find themselves
FEMA Funeral Assistance Hotline to Open April 12
FEMA announced that individuals will be able to begin applying for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance on April 12.
FEMA Issues Final Policy for COVID Funeral Reimbursement
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Congress authorized FEMA to provide financial assistance to individuals who incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
Recent Regulatory Changes for Funeral Services and Preneed Planning
Please see the information below regarding recent regulatory changes that became effective for the Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers for Chapter 20 (Regulations Governing the Practice of Funeral Services) and Chapter 30 (Regulations for Preneed Planning).