The Bureau licenses and regulates funeral establishments; funeral directors; embalmers and apprentice embalmers; cemetery brokers, salespersons and managers; cremated remains disposers, hydrolysis facilities and crematory managers; and nearly 200 licensed private cemeteries in California. The Bureau also investigates consumer/provider complaints.
Funeral homes make a good profit by offering a wide range of services at reasonable costs. They can further increase profits by implementing efficient business practices and marketing strategies.
Services
A funeral home business requires a lot of resources and can be costly. It is important to manage costs and use efficient business practices to increase profit. The funeral business also needs to focus on the customer experience. This can be done by offering a variety of services and ensuring the quality of service.
The funeral home industry is regulated by state and local laws. The funeral directors, embalmers, and undertakers must meet licensing requirements to work in the profession. The funeral service profession is a health care occupation that is committed to reducing any health related risks.
The Office of Burial Services provides financial assistance to help low-income New Yorkers pay for funeral expenses. The OBS can pay up to $1,700 for a funeral and burial or cremation. The OBS will reimburse for expenses incurred within 30 days after death. To claim the reimbursement, the person must submit an original itemized funeral contract signed by the funeral director and notarized in the presence of a Notary Public or Commissioner of Deeds.
Fees
After a loved one’s death, families must make dozens of decisions under great emotional duress. Those decisions can be confusing and costly. Consumers are urged to take the time to research their options before making any arrangements.
Funeral homes must disclose their prices on an itemized general price list. They must also disclose any legal cemetery or crematory requirements that force you to buy certain goods or services. They must also tell you whether they have any cash advance items and their cost, as well as any refunds or discounts from the supplier available on those cash advance items.
The Bureau licenses and regulates more than 13,500 funeral establishments and their directors; embalmers and apprentice embalmers; cemetery brokers/branch/additional, salespersons, and managers; cremated remains disposers, and crematories; and nearly 200 licensed private cemeteries in California. The Bureau also advocates for consumer protection and licensee compliance through proactive education, enforcement, and consistent interpretation and application of the laws governing the industry.