What actions can the Nebraska DHHS take against non-compliant funeral directors?

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has the authority to ensure that funeral directors comply with state laws and regulations governing their profession. One of the primary actions they can take against non-compliant funeral directors is to impose fines and suspend licenses. This enforcement mechanism serves as a deterrent to ensure compliance with the established legal standards and to protect the public from unethical practices.

Imposing fines holds funeral directors accountable financially, motivating them to adhere to regulations. License suspension is a more severe action and reflects the seriousness of the violation. When a funeral director's actions are deemed significantly out of compliance, suspension is a critical control measure to prevent further infractions until the issues are resolved.

In contrast, options such as providing extra training, giving verbal warnings, or conducting surprise inspections are not typically the primary enforcement actions for non-compliance. While training and warnings might be part of a broader strategy for compliance and education, they are not enforceable measures that directly address violations. Surprise inspections can help identify issues but do not include any direct consequences on their own unless violations are found. Therefore, the option of imposing fines and suspending licenses stands out as the correct answer, as it directly aligns with the DHHS's role in regulatory enforcement.