Stanetsky Chapels Fined Following Body Mix-up

Massachusetts Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers took action against the Brookline funeral home, Stanetsky Memorial Chapels following a wrongful interment and disinterment last year.

According to a press release issued today, Stanetsky is receiving an $18,000 fine--the heftiest fine in the board's history--and a two-year probationary period during which time every decedent who comes into the home's care must be identified by two licensed and certified funeral directors. 

According to the Boston Herald, the bodies of two people were mixed up by the funeral home, and one was interred in Woburn incorrectly. The bodies were then switched, and the one who had been incorrectly buried was taken and put in a Boston cemetery a few days after. 

Orthodox Jewish community website Vos Is Neias pointed out that Jewish law prohibits the interment of a body in a gravesite which has already been used. 

Below is the full press release from the Division of Professional Licensure:

Massachusetts Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers Takes Action against Stanetsky Memorial Chapels Funeral Establishment and Additional Individuals Involved in Case

The Board of Registration of Funeral Directors and Embalmers announced today disciplinary action against the following funeral establishment and its employees, resolving allegations regarding the wrongful interment and disinterment of a Boston woman in August 2010 at the Stanetsky Memorial Chapels Funeral Home in Brookline:

Stanetsky Memorial Chapels, Brookline: The Board and Stanetsky Memorial Chapels entered into a Consent Agreement whereby the funeral home agreed to pay an $18,000 fine. The funeral home also agreed to a probation period of 12 months. As part of the probation, the funeral home is required to provide the Board with written verification, signed by two licensed/certified funeral directors, of the identity of every decedent that comes into the care of the funeral home. The $18,000 fine is the largest fine in the history of the Board. The Consent Agreement also marks the first time that probation has been imposed on a funeral establishment.

Kim L. Perry, Fall River:The Board and Perry entered into a Consent Agreement whereby Perry agreed that a reprimand be placed on her license to practice as a Funeral Director. Perry also agreed to pay a $1,000 fine. 

Bruce M. Schlossberg, Canton: The Board and Schlossberg entered into a Consent Agreement whereby Schlossberg agreed that his license to practice as a Funeral Director will be suspended for a period of one year. After six months, the suspension will be stayed for the remainder of the suspension period, such that the remainder effectively will be treated as a period of probation. 

The Board previously announced Consent Agreements with three other individuals regarding the same wrongful internment: Jane D. Salk of Brookline, Katherine J. Roan of Lynn and Paul J. Glennon of Needham.Consumers are urged to visit the Division of Professional Licensure’s web site at www.mass.gov/dpl and select the “Check a Professional’s License” link to determine whether a professional with whom they may do business is licensed and in good standing.

The agency is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance and the integrity of the licensing process for approximately 365,000 licensees in trades and professions under the jurisdiction of 31 boards of registration.