What consequence might be faced by a funeral director who neglects to obtain a death certificate within the given timeframe?

The consequence faced by a funeral director who neglects to obtain a death certificate within the specified timeframe primarily involves the potential for regulatory and professional repercussions. The correct answer points to the possibility of an inability to practice professionally, which underscores the critical importance of compliance with legal protocols surrounding death care.

In Iowa, obtaining a death certificate is a legal obligation that serves to validate and officially document a person's death. Failure to secure this certificate not only hampers the legal handling of the deceased's affairs but can also lead to severe consequences for the funeral director, including disciplinary actions from professional boards or regulatory authorities. Such actions can impede a funeral director's ability to continue their practice, as maintaining legal compliance is fundamental in the professional conduct of funeral services.

The other options involve potentially serious outcomes as well, such as fines and license loss, but they serve as secondary consequences rather than immediate barriers to professional practice. Thus, the inability to practice is a direct reflection of the repercussions that arise when fundamental legal requirements are not fulfilled.