When Things Go Sideways: The Complaint, the Response, and the Board’s Investigation

This program is the first installment in a four-part continuing education series focused on regulatory enforcement by the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors (OBEFD). It was initially offered in person at the OFDA 2026 Convention & Exhibition and is now available as an on-demand continuing education course for funeral service professionals.

Designed to provide a practical, real-world understanding of compliance, the series follows the full regulatory process—from the initial complaint through investigation and potential disciplinary action.

In this foundational session, attendees examine a real case study drawn from Mr. Ingram’s experience with the OBEFD, gaining insight into how complaints originate, how investigations proceed, and what funeral homes can expect when navigating the regulatory process.

Subsequent sessions in the series, offered via webinar (recorded and later available on-demand), build on one another by reinforcing foundational knowledge while introducing additional layers of complexity. Topics include Ohio’s lawmaking and administrative rulemaking process, crisis management in the digital age, and the board hearing and disciplinary process.

About the Series

This on-demand course is Part 1 of From First Call to Final Order: A Practical Compliance Series on Ohio Board Enforcement. Following completion of the series, OFDA will also offer a complete four-part on-demand package.

Part 2: How the Regulations Get Their Teeth: Ohio Lawmaking, Administrative Rules, and Chapter 4717

• An overview of how funeral service laws and administrative rules are developed and enforced in Ohio.

Part 3: Damage Control in the Digital Age: Crisis Management When a Funeral Becomes a Viral Headline and Clickbait

• Strategies for managing reputational risk and public response in today’s digital environment.

Part 4: The Boardroom, the Hearing, and the Aftermath: Navigating Disciplinary Action and Board Proceedings

• A detailed look at hearings, disciplinary processes, and outcomes.