Funeral Rule - The Funeral Rule Overview

The Funeral Rule Overview

The Funeral Rule defines and provides parameters in the following key subject areas:

• Definition of a General Price List, or GPL
• Specific disclosures must be provided in writing to the consumer regarding embalming, alternative containers for direct cremation, the basic service fee, the Casket Price List and the Outer Burial Container Price List
• Specific misrepresentations in six areas: embalming, casket for direct cremation, outer burial container, legal and cemetery requirements, preservative and protective vault claims, cash advance items and other misrepresentations

- The GPL must contain a written acknowledgement that consumers have the right to choose the funeral goods and services desired, with some exceptions

• Disclosure and reference to any state or local laws that require a consumer to purchase any particular item
• A funeral home may not refuse or charge a fee to handle a casket that is purchased from a third-party provider
• A funeral home that also offers cremation must offer an inexpensive, unfinished wood box or alternative container with a non-metal enclosure that is cremated with the body
• Written disclosure must be made of the consumer's right to purchase an unfinished wood box or alternative container for direct cremation
• A funeral home may not claim that state or local law require a casket for direct cremation
• A written description and price list of all caskets must be provided before viewing any caskets for sale
• A written acknowledgement provided to the consumer stating that consumers do not have to purchase a package funeral arrangement
• Written details, including associated expenses, regarding viewing or visitation of the deceased
• Written details, including associated expenses, of a formal funeral service
• Written details, including associated expenses, regarding transportation to the cemetery
• A funeral home must provide a written GPL to all persons who inquire in person about funeral arrangements, regardless of whether they are a consumer looking to purchase funeral goods and services from the funeral home now or in the future
• The GPL must be provided for the inquiring individual or group to keep
• The GPL must be offered when any discussion begins regarding funeral arrangements, goods or services or the prices of such, regardless of the location of the discussion
• The GPL does not have to be physically mailed in response to telephone or mail inquiries, although accurate information must be provided to a telephone inquiry
• A fee cannot be charged for providing a GPL in response to a telephone or mail inquiry

Types of Funerals The Funeral Rule provides a general explanation of the various types of funerals that consumers have the right to choose.