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WV Architecture Board Protests Recommendation
The Performance Evaluation and Research Division of the West Virginia Legislature issued a November 2003 sunset evaluation report on the Board of Architecture. The report recommends the continued licensure of the practice of architecture to protect the public's interest. The board was found to be in general compliance with the provisions of its enabling statute. The legislative auditor's only recommendation is that the board place more licensee information on its Web site, including when and where required education was completed as well as any complaints received and complaints substantiated. The board does not agree with this recommendation and has requested that it be reconsidered in light of the US Freedom of Information Act, including whether the information could be used for marketing or identity theft purposes. The board maintains an online roster of West Virginia licensed architects from which the names of individuals with temporary suspensions are removed for the period of their suspension. Full Report

US GAO REPORTS   All GAO Audit Reports
Regulation of the Death Care Industry
The US General Accounting Office (GAO) issued an August 2003 report to Congress on the various structures used by the states to regulate the death care industry as well as the mechanisms they use to enforce regulations regarding the industry. Field visits were made to California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, New York and Texas, and the report contains in-depth information on the programs in those states. GAO reports that

    The majority of states regulate funeral homes, crematories, cemeteries, and pre-need sales of funeral plans, although the specific licensing requirements vary across the states. Fewer states regulate third party sales of funeral goods. Further, even in those states that regulate each industry segment, not all businesses or practitioners may be subject to licensing or regulation.
    Most states also require inspections of funeral homes and crematories, but fewer states require inspections of cemeteries. In most of those states, the inspections are conducted annually.  ...
    Since January 1, 2000, a majority of states have taken enforcement actions against funeral homes, funeral directors, or embalmers for violations of a variety of state rules or regulations. Fewer states, however, have taken such actions against the other industry segments.

Real Estate Appraisal Industry
In a May 2003 report, the GAO made several recommendations to the Appraisal Subcommittee intended to reduce the complexity and confusion surrounding the regulation of the real estate appraisal industry. GAO writes that Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 "created a complex oversight structure for real estate appraisals and appraisers that involves private, state and federal entities. Two private entities establish uniform rules for real estate appraisals and set minimum criteria for certifying appraisers. State regulators certify appraisers based on these criteria." GAO recommends developing consistent criteria for determining states' compliance with Title XI and determining ways to help states carry out these activities, especially in the area of investigating complaints.

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