Illinois end-of-life rights and official resources

Illinois licenses funeral directors and embalmers through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Its profession page links to license lookup and a complaint process. Check the individual who will handle your arrangements. [3]

At funeral providers covered by the federal Funeral Rule, you can request prices by phone, receive a General Price List to keep and choose the goods and services you want. The rule does not apply to third-party casket sellers or cemeteries without an on-site funeral home. [14]

The Illinois Comptroller’s Pre-need Licensing and Certification Enforcement division (PLACE) licenses crematories and handles licensing enforcement. Ask the arranging provider which crematory will be used and confirm its license through PLACE. [1][2]

Before authorizing cremation, ask the provider to explain who may legally authorize it and which documents and permits are required for your circumstances. Questions or concerns about a crematory can be raised with PLACE at 877-203-3401. [1]

IDFPR oversees cemetery authorities and licenses covered cemetery managers and customer service employees. Full and partial exemptions exist. Ask a cemetery which license or exemption applies, then confirm it through IDFPR. [4]

The complaint route depends on the issue. IDFPR handles cemetery conduct within its authority; questions about cemetery care funds or preneed money go to the Comptroller. IDFPR’s cemetery guidance explains the division of responsibilities. [4][1]

PLACE oversees licensing for preneed funeral and cemetery sellers. Before paying, confirm the seller’s license with the Comptroller at 877-203-3401. [1]

Ask the seller to put the funding method, price guarantee and cancellation terms in writing. Find out what happens if you cancel before or after paying in full, miss payments, or choose an irrevocable arrangement. Do not assume that cancelling guarantees a full refund; take questions about the terms to PLACE. [1]

Keep the signed contract and receipts. PLACE accepts complaints about matters within its authority; a complaint does not guarantee a refund or other outcome. [1]

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) licenses comprehensive and volunteer hospice programs. Ask which license applies to the program you are considering. [9]

Illinois also licenses home-services agencies that provide non-medical help such as assistance with daily activities and companionship. Home services are distinct from skilled home health and nursing; match the agency’s license to the care you need. [10]

IDPH’s Central Complaint Registry handles complaints about home health agencies and hospice providers. Its page lists the online complaint process and hotline, 800-252-4343. [6]

IDPH’s Division of Assisted Living handles licensure and surveys of assisted living and shared housing establishments. Its page also provides complaint information. [8]

IDPH oversees nursing homes through its long-term-care program. Use its nursing-home resources to review oversight information and the Nursing Home Hotline at 800-252-4343. [7]

The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), under the authority of the Illinois Supreme Court, provides lawyer registration and discipline information. Use Lawyer Search before hiring an estate or probate attorney. [13]

ARDC also accepts complaints about lawyer misconduct. Follow its complaint instructions and describe the conduct you want it to review. [13]

IDFPR licenses both Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors. These are distinct credentials. Ask a provider which license they hold and check its status through the IDFPR lookup. [5]

The profession page links to the applicable law, rules and complaint resources. Use those resources for questions about a counselor’s credential or professional conduct. [5]

The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) provides insurance-producer licensing and lookup resources. Check an agent’s record before buying funeral-related life insurance or an annuity. [11]

IDOI accepts consumer complaints and provides a Life/Annuity complaint form. For someone offering securities brokerage services, FINRA’s BrokerCheck provides broker and brokerage-firm records. These are different checks for different activities. [12][15]