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DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIVISION OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY, AND CONSUMER SERVICES vs CLAUDE AND DELIRA HOLMES, D/B/A HOLMES FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 18-006290 (2018)

Court: Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 18-006290 Visitors: 36
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. ATN: 29293 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: ATN: 29293 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.
Apr. 30, 2019 Order Closing Files and Relinquishing Jurisdiction. CASE CLOSED.
Apr. 30, 2019 Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
Apr. 30, 2019 Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
Apr. 29, 2019 Petitioner's Response to Respondent's Objection to Filing Discovery (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
Apr. 29, 2019 Petitioner's Response to Respondent's Objection to Filing Discovery filed.
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.
Apr. 26, 2019 Notice of Filing of Exhibits filed.
Apr. 26, 2019 Order Granting Motion for Leave to File Amended Administrative Complaint
Apr. 26, 2019 Joint Pretrial Stipulation (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
Apr. 25, 2019 Notice of Filing of Exhibits (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
Apr. 25, 2019 Notice of Filing of Exhibits filed.
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.
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).
Apr. 22, 2019 Notice of Intent to Offer Evidence by Certification or Affidavit Pursuant to Section 90.803(6)(C),, Florida Statutes filed.
Apr. 18, 2019 Motion for Leave to File Amended Administrative Complaint (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
Apr. 18, 2019 Motion for Leave to File Amended Administrative Complaint filed.
Mar. 29, 2019 Response and Comment to the Department's Motion for Official Recognition (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
Mar. 27, 2019 Notice of Filing Affidavit of Ken Kirwan (Bio-Medical Waste Solutions) (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
Mar. 27, 2019 Notice of Service of Responses to Second Requests for Admissions filed.
Mar. 27, 2019 Notice of Service of Responses to Second Request for Admissions (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
Mar. 19, 2019 Notice of Service of Second Requests for Admissions (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
Mar. 19, 2019 Notice of Service of Second Requests for Admissions filed.
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).
Mar. 15, 2019 Motion for Continuance filed.
Mar. 12, 2019 Amended Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
Mar. 12, 2019 Notice of Appearance (Christopher Butler) filed.
Mar. 12, 2019 Notice of Appearance (Christopher Butler; filed in Case No. 18-006290).
Mar. 04, 2019 Department of Financial Services' Motion for Official Recognition (filed in Case No. 18-006290).
Mar. 04, 2019 Department of Financial Sservices' Motion for Official Recognition filed.
Feb. 13, 2019 Order Rescheduling Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for March 28, 2019; 9:30 a.m.; Lakeland and Tallahassee, FL).
Feb. 04, 2019 Notice of Service of Requests for Admissions filed.
Jan. 31, 2019 Petitioner's Response to Order for Status Update filed.
Jan. 22, 2019 Order Granting Continuance (parties to advise status by January 31, 2019).
Jan. 18, 2019 Motion for Continuance filed.
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).
Dec. 07, 2018 Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
Dec. 07, 2018 Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for February 7, 2019; 1:00 p.m.; Tampa and Tallahassee, FL).
Dec. 07, 2018 Order of Consolidation (DOAH Case Nos. 18-6289PL and 18-6290).
Dec. 06, 2018 Response to Initial Order filed.
Nov. 29, 2018 Initial Order.
Nov. 28, 2018 Administrative Complaint filed.
Nov. 28, 2018 Request for Administrative Hearing filed.
Nov. 28, 2018 Agency referral filed.
Source:  Florida - Division of Administrative Hearings

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