The Federal Funeral Rule is a law that requires funeral providers to give you itemized prices in person and over the phone, if you ask. It also requires them to provide you with additional information on their products and services, such as a written list of products and services the funeral provider offers. For instance, if you want to buy a casket or outer burial container, the funeral provider must show you prices and descriptions of the available options before actually presenting the products.
Funeral providers frequently have “packages” of products and services commonly purchased, but you have the right to buy individual products and services, and do not have to purchase a “package” that includes items you do not want.
Under the Federal Funeral Rule:
- You have the right to select products and services you want (there are some exceptions)
- The funeral provider must state the above, in writing, on the general price list
- If state or local law requires you to purchase a product or service, it must be stated on the price list with a reference to the specific law
- A funeral provider must not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket purchased elsewhere
- Alternative containers must be available for purchase if a funeral provider offers cremation services
According to the Federal Funeral Rule, a funeral provider:
- May not embalm without permission
- May not state embalming is required by law if it is not
- Must state, in writing, that embalming is not required by law, except in certain cases.
- May not charge any fees for unauthorized embalming, unless it is required by state law
- Must state, in writing, that generally you have the right to chose a disposition, such as direct burial or cremation, that does not require embalming, if you do not wish to
- Must state, in writing, that certain funeral arrangements, such as a viewing, may make embalming a practical necessity, and thus, a required purchase
By the Federal Funeral Rule, funeral providers who offer direct cremation:
- May not state that local or state law requires a casket for direct cremation, as none do
- Must state, in writing, your right to buy an unfinished wooden box or alternative container for direct cremation
- Must make an unfinished wooden box or alternative container available for direct cremation
You can find out more about the Federal Funeral Rule at the Federal Trade Commission’s website.