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

This session is the third installment in a four-part continuing education series focused on regulatory enforcement by the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors (OBEFD).

As regulatory matters increasingly intersect with public scrutiny, this webinar examines how funeral service incidents can escalate into reputational crises when they reach traditional media and social media. Building on the regulatory framework established in Parts One and Two, this session focuses on managing risk, messaging, and visibility while a regulatory matter is active or pending.

Attendees will gain practical insight into responding under public scrutiny, avoiding common missteps that can worsen regulatory exposure, and aligning crisis communications with ongoing board matters.

About the Series

This on-demand course is Part 3 of From First Call to Final Order: A Practical Compliance Series on Ohio Board Enforcement. Each session builds upon the previous, providing a comprehensive understanding of regulatory enforcement conducted by the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Following completion of the series, OFDA will also offer a complete four-part on-demand package.

Part 1: When Things Go Sideways: The Complaint, the Response, and the Board’s Investigation

• Practical insight into understanding the formal board complaint process, effectively responding to complaints to minimize risk, and overview of the regulatory process

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.