Compared to other states, Illinois takes lax approach toward funeral home oversight

The gruesome discovery of unrefrigerated, decomposing bodies at a South Deering funeral home two weeks ago exposed the dearth of oversight over Illinois' funeral home industry. Illinois is one of a mere handful of states that, absent complaints, do not conduct regular inspections of funeral homes, according to a 2025 survey from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. Illinois also is the only state that does not have a board or agency monitoring licensed funeral…