Nevada Funeral Board Revokes License of McDermott’s Funeral Home and Cremation Services
A Las Vegas funeral home has had its license revoked after state regulators found multiple violations involving the handling of human remains and the timely filing of death records.
Investigation Findings
The Nevada State Board of Funeral & Cemetery Services revoked the license of McDermott’s Funeral Home and Cremation Services after determining that eight bodies were not cremated or properly disposed of within a reasonable period. One case involved a body being held for more than 10 months before cremation.
The board also found that death records were not filed within the required timeframes. Nevada law requires death records to be initiated within 24 hours of receiving a body and filed with the Southern Nevada Health District within 72 hours. In one case, the death record was initiated 85 days late.
The funeral home owner attributed the delays to the process of obtaining approvals from Clark County Social Services, which becomes involved when there is no next of kin or when the family cannot afford services. State officials, however, cited “unprofessional conduct” and failure to comply with established timelines.
Inspections and Complaints
Two inspections were conducted. The first, in November 2023, found no violations. The second, in February 2024, revealed eight bodies in refrigeration units, some held for several months after authorization for cremation.
The investigation also uncovered prior complaints against the facility dating back to 2021, including an earlier case where it took 46 days to cremate a body.
Community Concerns
Neighbors and nearby business owners reported persistent foul odors emanating from the facility. Several described the smell as overpowering, with some closing their businesses temporarily to avoid the stench.
Families of the deceased reported long delays in communication and, in some cases, were unaware that their loved ones had not yet been cremated months after their deaths.
Enforcement Action
At its quarterly meeting in Reno, the funeral board voted to revoke the funeral home’s license. The decision followed an in-depth investigation and review of hundreds of pages of documentation. Following the revocation, the remaining bodies at the facility were transferred to another funeral home.
The case underscores the importance of adhering to state-mandated timelines for the handling of human remains and filing of death records. Delays, whether due to administrative procedures or operational issues, can have a significant impact on grieving families and public trust in the funeral industry.
Reporting Concerns or Filing a Complaint
If you have concerns about a Nevada funeral home or cemetery, you can contact the Nevada Funeral & Cemetery Services Board:
Address:
3740 Lakeside Drive, Suite 201
Reno, NV 89509
Phone: (775) 825-5535
Fax: (775) 507-4102
Email: nvfuneralboard@fb.nv.gov
If your family has been affected by funeral home negligence or misconduct, experienced legal representation may be necessary to protect your rights and seek accountability. At Traction Law Group, we focus on cases involving funeral home negligence and understand the sensitive nature of these matters. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation.
