03/10/2022
As I’m sure most of you have gotten an email this morning regarding CEU changes from John A. Gupton, I am forwarding this message in case anyone did not receive an email:
To: Funeral Directors and Embalmer in Tennessee
From: B. Steven Spann
President John A. Gupton College
Phone: College: 615-327-3927, Cell: 615-347-4955
RE: Important Notice before TFDA District Meetings.
Re: SB 2570 and HB 2103
The purpose of my email is to contribute some insight and concerns regarding the above-mentioned bills that are scheduled to appear before your committee.
There are three parts to this bill, and I agree with Section 1 (dealing with Pre-need registration) and Section 3 (dealing with unlicensed assistants). However, I believe the proposed changes to Section 2 (dealing with continuing education requirements) will place an undue hardship on licensees in their process of renewing their license. I want to communicate that I am in 100% approval with the current continuing education requirements and the law as currently presented which states:
“62-5-601c. Of the ten (10) hours of continuing education coursework, five (5) hours must be attended in person. For purposes of this subsection (c), “attended in person” means the continuing education coursework is completed by the licensee in the physical presence of the provider of the coursework or is completed by the licensee through an interactive virtual program that requires participants to confirm their presence during the program.”
The new proposed law would change the BOLD SECTION to person-to-person real time programs. I would like to say that in my professional opinion, the proposed change would put the continuing education seminars, at the convenience of the Presenter rather than at the convenience of the Licensee. Please allow me to explain my position. John A. Gupton College provides both real-time/person to person seminars throughout the year. John A. Gupton College also provides 30 different recorded seminars (all approved by the state licensing board) that requires every licensee to pass a test with a minimum of 80% to prove participation during the seminar. This law change would eliminate this convenience for the licensee. The only seminars available would-be person to person real time at the convenience of the presenter.
I receive numerous calls each month from licensee stating that their license is ready to expire inquiring where can they get their CEUs. I realize the licensee should not wait until the last minute, but as you know most people do. Currently, there is an avenue that ensures the licensees in Tennessee can successfully obtain the necessary CEU hours, BUT if the law changes, that will not be the case. All in person CEU will be at the convenience of the presenter at a preset time which is usually during funeral times.
Either way, John A. Gupton College will still provide all the seminars, face to face, virtual and videos, we are currently providing but it will not be as convenient for the licensee.
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to express my view on this matter.
