Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIVISION OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY, AND CONSUMER SERVICES
Respondent: CLAUDE AND DELIRA HOLMES, D/B/A HOLMES FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Judges: ELIZABETH W. MCARTHUR
Agency: Department of Financial Services
Locations: Lakeland, Florida
Filed: Nov. 28, 2018
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.
Latest Update: Dec. 22, 2024
FILED
SEP 1 9 2018
Docketed by
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
JIMMY PATRONIS
STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES,
DIVISION OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY,
AND CONSUMER SERVICES,
Petitioner,
Vv. Case No. 218173-17-FC
HOLMES FUNERAL DIRECTORS,
Respondent.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
The Department of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer
Services (Department), files this Administrative Complaint before the Board of Funeral,
Cemetery, and Consumer Services (Board), against Holmes Funeral Directors (Respondent) and
alleges:
1. The Department and the Board have jurisdiction over Respondent’s license and
the subject matter of this proceeding pursuant to section 20.121 and chapter 497, Florida
Statutes.
2. At all times material to this complaint, Respondent was licensed as a funeral
establishment under chapter 497, Florida Statutes, license number F041651, doing business in
Haines City, Florida.
ATN 29293
3. Rule 69K-21.003(7), Florida Administrative Code, provides that a funeral
establishment’s preparation room “shall meet the requirements of the Department of Health
chapter 64E-16, F.A.C., which prescribes minimum sanitary practices relating to the
management of biomedical waste, including segregation, handling, labeling, storage, transport
and treatment. Room shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.”
4. On or about August 7, 2017, the Department conducted a routine annual
inspection of Respondent at its place of business, including an inspection of its preparation room.
5. The inspection revealed that Respondent had failed to practice minimum sanitary
practices relating to the management of biomedical waste, in connection with all embalmments
performed by Respondent in its preparation room for April and July, 2017.
COUNT I
6. Petitioner realleges and incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in
paragraphs one through five as if fully set forth herein.
7. Section 497.152(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that “[vJiolating any provision of
this chapter [497] or any lawful order of the board or department or of the statutory predecessors
to the board or department” shall constitute grounds for discipline.
8. Based on the foregoing, Respondent violated Rule 69K-21.003(7), Florida
Administrative Code, by failing to practice minimum sanitary practices relating to the
management of biomedical waste, in connection with embalmments performed by Respondent in
its preparation room for April and July, 2017, and is therefore subject to discipline pursuant to
section 497.152(1)(a), Florida Statutes.
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WHEREFORE, the Department respectfully requests that the Board enter an order
imposing any or all penalties delineated within section 497.153(5), Florida Statutes against
Respondent and any other relief the Board is authorized to impose pursuant to the Florida
Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services Act.
DATED and SIGNED this | q a day of September , 2018.
7 - —&
CAodkk WO Gax
Chasity H. O’Ste
General Counsel
PC Found: July 10, 2018
PC Found By: Keenan Knopke, Nancy Hubbell, Jon Thomas, and Tyrone Warden
ATN: 29293
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
The Licensee has the right to request a proceeding to contest this action by the Board
pursuant to sections 120,569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, and Rule 28-106, Florida
Administrative Code. The proceeding request must be in writing, signed by a representative for
the Licensee, and must be filed with the Department within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of
this notice. Completion of the attached Election of Proceeding form and/or a petition for
administrative hearing will suffice as a written request. The request must be filed with the
Department Agency Clerk, Julie Jones, Florida Department of Financial Services, 200 East
Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0390. The Licensee’s written response must be
received by the Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on the twenty-first day after receipt of this
notice. Mailing the response on the twenty-first day will not preserve the right to a hearing.
FAILURE TO RESPOND IN WRITING WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21)
DAYS OF THE RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE WILL CONSTITUTE A
WAIVER OF THE RIGHT TO REQUEST A PROCEEDING ON THE
MATTERS ALLEGED HEREIN AND AN ORDER OF SUSPENSION OR
REVOCATION WILL BE ENTERED.
If the Licensee requests a proceeding, information must be provided that complies with
the requirements of Rule 28-106.2015, Florida Administrative Code. As noted above,
completion of the attached Election of Proceeding form conforms to these requirements.
Specifically, the response must contain:
(a) The name, address, and telephone number, and facsimile number (if any) of the
respondent (for the purpose of requesting a hearing in this matter the Licensee is the
"Respondent").
(b) The name, address, telephone number, facsimile number of the attorney or
qualified representative of the respondent (if any) upon whom service of pleadings and other
papers shall be made.
(c) A statement requesting an administrative hearing identifying those material facts
that are in dispute. If there are none, the petition must so indicate.
(d) A statement of when the respondent received notice of the administrative
complaint.
(e) A statement including the file number to the administrative complaint.
If a hearing of any type is requested the Licensee has the right to be represented by
counsel or other qualified representative at its own expense, to present evidence and argument, to
call and cross-examine witnesses, and to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production
of documents by subpoena.
If a proceeding is requested and there is no dispute of material fact, the provisions of
section 120.57(2), Florida Statutes, apply. Oral or written evidence may be submitted in
4
ATN: 29293
opposition to the action taken by the Board or a written statement challenging the grounds upon
which the Board has relied. While a hearing is normally not required in the absence of a dispute
of fact, if the Licensee feels that a hearing is necessary, one will be conducted in Tallahassee,
Florida, or by telephonic conference call upon request.
However, if the Licensee disputes material facts which are the basis for the Board’s
action, an adversarial proceeding must be requested pursuant to sections 120.569 and 120.57(1),
Florida Statutes. These proceedings are held before a State Administrative Law Judge of the
Division of Administrative Hearings. Unless the majority of witnesses are located elsewhere, the
Department will request that the hearing be conducted in Tallahassee, Florida.
Failure to follow the procedure outlined with regard to the response to this notice may
result in the request being denied. All prior oral communication or correspondence in this matter
shall be considered freeform agency action, and no such oral communication or correspondence
shall operate as a valid request for an administrative proceeding. Any request for an
administrative proceeding received prior to the date of this notice shall be deemed abandoned
unless timely renewed in compliance with the guidelines as set out above.
Mediation of this matter pursuant to section 120.573, Florida Statutes, is not available.
No Department attorney will discuss this matter you or your representative during the time frame
in which you have to request a hearing.
ATN: 29293
STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES,
DIVISION OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY,
AND CONSUMER SERVICES, Case No. 218173-17-FC
Petitioner,
Vv.
HOLMES FUNERAL DIRECTORS,
Respondent
ELECTION OF PROCEEDING
J have received and have read the Administrative Complaint filed by the Florida Department of Financial Services ("Department")
against me, including the Notice of Rights contained therein, and I understand my options. 1 am requesting disposition of this matter as indicated
below. (CHOOSE ONE)
1 [J I do not dispute any of the Department's factual allegations and I do not desire a hearing. | understand that by waiving my right to a
hearing, the Board of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services (“Board”) may enter a final order that adopts the Administrative
Complaint and imposes the sanctions sought, including suspending or revoking my license(s) as may be appropriate.
2. I do not dispute any of the Department's factual allegations and I hereby elect a proceeding to be conducted in accordance with
Sections 120.57(2) and 497.153(4)(b), Florida Statutes. In this regard, | desire to:
i Submit a written statement and documentary evidence to the Board in lieu of a hearing; or
C] Personally attend a hearing conducted by the Board at the location of a regularly scheduled Board meeting.
3.[] 1 do dispute one or more of the Department's factual allegations. I hereby request a hearing pursuant to Section 120.57(1), Florida
Statutes, to be held before the Division of Administrative Hearings. I have attached to this election form the information required by
Rule 28-106,2015, Florida Administrative Code, as specified in subparagraph (c) of the Notice of Rights. Specifically, I have
identified the disputed issues of material fact in the response attached hereto.
TO PRESERVE YOUR RIGHT TO A HEARING, YOU MUST FILE YOUR RESPONSE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
FINANCIAL SERVICES WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF YOUR RECEIPT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT. THE
RESPONSE MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. ON THE TWENTY-FIRST DAY AFTER YOUR
RECEIPT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT.
The address for filing is: DFS Agency Clerk, Julie Jones, Florida Department of Financial Services, 612 Larson Building, 200 East Gaines
Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0390.
Signature: : Print Name: 7
Date: Address: a
Date Administrative
Complaint Received:
If you are represented by an attorney or qualified Phone No.:
representative, please attach to this election form his
or her name, address, telephone and fax numbers Fax No.:
Email:
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing Administrative
Complaint and Election of Proceeding has been furnished by U.S. Certified Mail, return receipt
requested, this } c { day of Seplember , 2018, to Holmes Funeral Directors at 601 W.
Johnson Avenue, Haines City, Florida 33844.
FL 7199 9991 7032 7168 6194
Jay nes A. Bossart Cc
_ Senior Attorney
~ Office of the General Counsel
Florida Department of Financial Services
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333
(850) 413-4124
ATN: 29293
Docket for Case No: 18-006290
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
May 01, 2019 |
Transmittal letter from Claudia Llado forwarding Respondents' Proposed Exhibits to Respondents.
|
May 01, 2019 |
Transmittal letter from Claudia Llado forwarding Petitioner's Proposed Exhibits to Petitioner.
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Apr. 30, 2019 |
Order Closing Files and Relinquishing Jurisdiction. CASE CLOSED.
|
Apr. 30, 2019 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Apr. 30, 2019 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
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Apr. 29, 2019 |
Petitioner's Response to Respondent's Objection to Filing Discovery (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Apr. 29, 2019 |
Petitioner's Response to Respondent's Objection to Filing Discovery filed.
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Apr. 29, 2019 |
Respondent's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing). |
Apr. 26, 2019 |
Notice of Intent to Offer Evidence by Certification or Affidavit Pursuant to Fla. STAT 90.803(6)(c) filed.
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Apr. 26, 2019 |
Notice of Filing of Exhibits filed.
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Apr. 26, 2019 |
Order Granting Motion for Leave to File Amended Administrative Complaint
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Apr. 26, 2019 |
Joint Pretrial Stipulation (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Apr. 25, 2019 |
Notice of Filing of Exhibits (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Apr. 25, 2019 |
Notice of Filing of Exhibits filed.
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Apr. 25, 2019 |
Petitioner's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing). |
Apr. 25, 2019 |
Objection to the Department's Filing of Discovery and Motion for Order Redacting Confidential Information filed.
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Apr. 23, 2019 |
Notice of Filing of Second Requests for Admissions and Responses (filed in Case No. 18-006290; not available for viewing). 
 Confidential document; not available for viewing. |
Apr. 23, 2019 |
Notice of Filing of Second Requests for Admissions and Responses filed (not available for viewing). 
 Confidential document; not available for viewing. |
Apr. 22, 2019 |
Notice of Intent to Offer Evidence by Certification or Affidavit Pursuant to Section 90.803(6)(C), Florida Statutes (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Apr. 22, 2019 |
Notice of Intent to Offer Evidence by Certification or Affidavit Pursuant to Section 90.803(6)(C),, Florida Statutes filed.
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Apr. 18, 2019 |
Motion for Leave to File Amended Administrative Complaint (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Apr. 18, 2019 |
Motion for Leave to File Amended Administrative Complaint filed.
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Mar. 29, 2019 |
Response and Comment to the Department's Motion for Official Recognition (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Mar. 27, 2019 |
Notice of Filing Affidavit of Ken Kirwan (Bio-Medical Waste Solutions) (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Mar. 27, 2019 |
Notice of Service of Responses to Second Requests for Admissions filed.
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Mar. 27, 2019 |
Notice of Service of Responses to Second Request for Admissions (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Mar. 19, 2019 |
Notice of Service of Second Requests for Admissions (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Mar. 19, 2019 |
Notice of Service of Second Requests for Admissions filed.
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Mar. 15, 2019 |
Order Granting Continuance and Rescheduling Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for May 2, 2019; 9:30 a.m.; Lakeland and Tallahassee, FL).
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Mar. 15, 2019 |
Motion for Continuance filed.
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Mar. 12, 2019 |
Amended Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
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Mar. 12, 2019 |
Notice of Appearance (Christopher Butler) filed.
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Mar. 12, 2019 |
Notice of Appearance (Christopher Butler; filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Mar. 04, 2019 |
Department of Financial Services' Motion for Official Recognition (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
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Mar. 04, 2019 |
Department of Financial Sservices' Motion for Official Recognition filed.
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Feb. 13, 2019 |
Order Rescheduling Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for March 28, 2019; 9:30 a.m.; Lakeland and Tallahassee, FL).
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Feb. 04, 2019 |
Notice of Service of Requests for Admissions filed.
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Jan. 31, 2019 |
Petitioner's Response to Order for Status Update filed.
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Jan. 22, 2019 |
Order Granting Continuance (parties to advise status by January 31, 2019).
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Jan. 18, 2019 |
Motion for Continuance filed.
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Dec. 07, 2018 |
Amended Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for February 7, 2019; 1:00 p.m.; Lakeland and Tallahassee, FL; amended as to lakeland location).
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Dec. 07, 2018 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
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Dec. 07, 2018 |
Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for February 7, 2019; 1:00 p.m.; Tampa and Tallahassee, FL).
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Dec. 07, 2018 |
Order of Consolidation (DOAH Case Nos. 18-6289PL and 18-6290).
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Dec. 06, 2018 |
Response to Initial Order filed.
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Nov. 29, 2018 |
Initial Order.
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Nov. 28, 2018 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
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Nov. 28, 2018 |
Request for Administrative Hearing filed.
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Nov. 28, 2018 |
Agency referral filed.
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