What is the FTC Funeral Rule?

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can go through. During this time, it's natural for individuals to want to give their loved one a proper send-off, but the process of planning a funeral can be overwhelming and confusing. This is where the FTC Funeral Rule comes in.

The FTC Funeral Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enacted the Funeral Rule in 1984 to protect consumers during this difficult time. The Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide consumers with itemized price lists for funeral goods and services, as well as information about their right to buy only the goods and services they want. This helps consumers understand what they are paying for and avoid overpriced and unnecessary expenses.

The Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide a General Price List (GPL) that includes the cost of all goods and services they offer. This includes the cost of a casket, cremation, embalming, and other services such as transportation and a funeral service. The GPL must be made available to consumers, free of charge, at the funeral home or upon request.

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Funeral homes are also required to provide consumers with an itemized statement that lists the specific goods and services they are purchasing and the cost of each item. This helps consumers make informed decisions and ensures that they are not charged for goods and services they do not want or need.

Under the Funeral Rule, funeral homes are also prohibited from engaging in certain deceptive practices. For example, they cannot falsely represent that certain goods or services are required by law, or that embalming is necessary when it is not. They also cannot require consumers to buy a casket or other funeral goods as a condition of providing funeral services.

In conclusion, the FTC Funeral Rule is an important regulation that helps protect consumers during a difficult time. By providing consumers with itemized price lists and information about their rights, the Funeral Rule helps ensure that consumers can make informed decisions and avoid overpriced and unnecessary expenses. If you are planning a funeral, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Funeral Rule and take advantage of the protections it provides.