According to Maryland State Law: "...the [Mortician] Board may deny a license to any applicant, reprimand any licensee, place any licensee on probation, or suspend or revoke any license if the applicant or licensee:

REFUSES, WITHHOLDS FROM, DENIES, OR DISCRIMINATES AGAINST AN INDIVIDUAL WITH REGARD TO THE PROVISION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR WHICH THE LICENSEE IS LICENSED AND QUALIFIED TO RENDER BECAUSE THE INDIVIDUAL IS HIV POSITIVE."

*Complaints and questions should be directed to the MD State Board of Morticians.

The Association provides advocacy for families experiencing discrimination. No funeral home can deny services to a family whose loved ones has died of AIDS. However, each funeral home does have its own particular protocols.

The following funeral homes have been known to provide full service funerals for families of AIDS patients. However, each family should thoroughly scrutinize the type of services being offered to them.

The Emergency Environmental Services Unit (EESU) located in Baltimore City at the Department of Social Services, 2000 N. Broadway, administers a Burial Assistance Program. A representative for the deceased must file at the EESU for burial assistance prior to paying for funeral expenses since payment will not be reimbursed. A friend, relative or associate may file on behalf of the deceased.

To qualify for burial assistance, the deceased must have been a recipient of Temporary Cash Assistane (TCA), Transistional Emergency Medical Housing Assistance (TEMHA II), Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Public Assistance to Adults (PPA), Long Term Care (H-95), Foster Care or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Burial expenses may not exceed $1,500.00. The maximum grant is $650 with the applicant or deceased's family responsible for paying the balance of the cost. Life insurance owned by the deceased is counted against the burial assistance grant. An insurance policy owned by a family member or friend is excluded in the calculation of benefits. Unpaid burial expenses may qualify for assistance. The grant does not pay for a burial plot, opening and closing of the grave, flowers or clothing. Applications are accepted on a walk-in basis, any weekday except Wednesday, from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Inquiries may be directed to Ellen Kenney at 1-410-361-4641, ext. 336 or Beverly Davis at 1-410-361-4641, ext 346.