The Federal Trade Commission regulates the funeral industry nationally. In the mid-1980s, the FTC began this oversight as a protection for the consumer. The “Funeral Rule” was written to establish guidelines for the funeral provider to give the consumer accurate information and disclosures on funeral goods, services and pricing.
The consumer should be aware of the following guidance offered by the FTC:
You the consumer:
- Only need to purchase the services and products that you selected
- Can telephone the funeral home and ask about their pricing
- Be offered The General Price List, a written, itemized price list for your retention
- Be offered and review The Casket Price List before viewing the product
- Be offered and review The Outer Burial Container Price List before viewing the product
- Receive and review The Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected before payment
- Receive a written explanation that describes and legal cemetery or crematory requirements
- Receive an explanation on embalming required based on funeral arrangements
- Can purchase products, including casket, outer burial container, urn separate of the funeral home
- Receive an explanation on the use of an “alternative container” for cremation
