for breaking news visit www.qns.com SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 • times 35 ‘CODE OF ETHICS’ FOR FUNERAL DIRECTORS The New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) has adopted an enforceable Code of Ethics, which will apply to all members of the statewide trade association. Individuals will be required to sign a pledge to adhere to the code when they apply for NYSFDA membership. According to NYSFDA’s executive director Bonnie McCullough, the code was passed o v e r w h e l m - ingly by the board of directors after extensive research into the nature and structure of existing codes in a variety of sectors as well as that in use by the National Funeral D i r e c t o r s Association. McCullough said, “Although we are well aware that NYSFDA members already observe the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct, we believe that the adoption of a Code of Ethics will both set NYSFDA members apart and send a strong message to consumers that NYSFDA members take their responsibility to serve the public as funeral directors very seriously.” Included in the code is a list of preferred behaviors in five categories: Service to Families, Care of the Decedent, Obligations to the Public, Obligations to the Government and Obligations to NYSFDA. Specific guidelines in the code are already being followed by NYSFDA members throughout their careers and include such things as not engaging in “any u n p r o f e s s i o n a l conduct which is likely to defraud or deceive the public,” or to not “knowingly make or file false records or reports in the practice of funeral directing.” Enforcement procedures spell out in detail all the steps the Ethics Committee will take if a complaint is properly filed. If it is determined, that further investigation is warranted, one of five actions, or a combination, could result – dismissing the case, reprimand, probation, suspension or termination of NYSFDA membership. There is also an appeals process in place. Reinforcing the focus on the consumer is a stipulation that the person filing the complaint “cannot be a member of NYSFDA, an employee of an NYSFDA member, or any other licensed or registered funeral director in the State of New York, a member of their immediate family, or an agent acting on their behalf.” The second stipulation addresses instances where the complaint that is filed with the Ethics Committee is a clear allegation of a violation of New York State law or regulations, or is the subject of a current case within the courts. In these cases, the Ethics Committee would dismiss the complaint until a decision in the case has been reached by the NYS Bureau of Funeral Directing or the judiciary. After a decision has been issued, the Ethics Committee could still choose to conduct its own investigation and decide on an appropriate penalty. The Code of Ethics and Enforcement Procedures went into effect on January 1, 2009. – Courtesy of the NYSFDA Lasting impressions are our first priority. A funeral service represents a family’s final farewell to their loved one. Knowing this, we go beyond what is expected to ensure the ceremony is beautiful and memorable... a truly fitting tribute to that special life. We invite you to visit us to meet our staff and tour our facility. We think you’ll be pleased to find that making lasting impressions is our first priority. ©2001 AdfinityTM MORTON FUNERAL HOME / RIDGEWOOD CHAPELS Continuing a proud tradition of dignified, personal service. 663 Grandview Ave. • Ridgewood, NY 11385 (718) 366-3200 • www.mortonridgewood.com It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Rosa Isis Rivera Rosario, 89 Departed this life peacefully in her home on Friday, August 19th 2016 She was a long time church member of La Flor de Jerusalem. Rosa Isis Rivera Rosario is survived by her six children, grandchildren, Great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and other family members. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 23rd at Seneca Chapel, Ltd. coping with death
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