The California Funeral Bureau regulates the funeral industry and cemetery businesses in California. The bureau investigates complaints made against funeral directors and cemeteries and issues general price lists for services and burial plots. Funeral directors and cemetery operators must obtain a license and follow the laws and regulations set by the state. A burial certificate is only valid when issued by a Funeral Bureau licensee. This licensing requirement ensures that families are treated fairly and the highest quality service is offered.
In most cases, complaints about cemeteries can be resolved easily, though serious complaints require investigation. If the funeral director or establishment has failed to follow a contract, the Bureau of Consumer Protection can take action. Consumers who are concerned about retail casket sellers can contact their state’s district attorney or private legal counsel. They can also contact their state’s funeral bureau to report complaints of wrongful death or improper service. But before seeking legal recourse, consumers should remember that the Bureau of Consumer Protection does not have jurisdiction over cemeteries operated by religious groups, cities, counties, or cemetery districts.
Funeral consumers can also make funeral arrangements through a memorial society or funeral consumer groups. These nonprofit organizations can help families with pre-planning funerals and providing guidance about the process. In many cases, memorial societies and funeral consumer groups are regulated by nonprofit laws and are not under the control of the Funeral Bureau. Other options include searching Yellow Pages or the Internet. There are many funeral service providers in your area, so you can be sure to find the one you feel comfortable with.
When choosing a funeral establishment, consumers should always insist on an itemized statement that includes the costs of each service. Also, funeral establishments cannot charge for protective clothing or caskets. Outside funeral establishments may charge for cemetery or burial company fees, which are usually a percentage of the total cost of the service. However, the Funeral Bureau must provide an itemized statement that clearly lists all goods and services and their total dollar value. The bill also includes fees for an obituary, taxes, insurance, and advertising.
Consumers can find out more about funeral services by visiting the California Department of Consumer Affairs website. There, consumers can also find information about complaints and disciplinary actions taken against businesses. Consumers should also request a General Price List, which will include the cost of a casket. The General Price List should also include the cost of outer burial containers. Additionally, consumers can request copies of disciplinary actions against the cemetery or funeral director through the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
In addition to these services, the funeral director may be responsible for consulting with the family and coordinating transportation, shelter, refrigeration, and embalming. These professionals can also handle permits, coordinate with third parties, and provide additional funeral items, such as grave liners and graveliners. A grave liner is a concrete cover that minimizes the ground settling after the burial. It may be required to provide a grave marker or grave container.
Consumers should also make sure the funeral package they choose includes all of the items they want. In addition to the price of the entire package, consumers should be provided with a Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected. The SFS requires a written statement of all items chosen and the costs of each one. A funeral home is not required to charge a fee for this service. However, it is recommended to review the fee structure in advance to make sure that it is fair and affordable for consumers.
Funeral bureaus must be licensed by the state they serve. In addition to state laws, they must provide a general price list, including the cost of embalming the body, and must provide refrigeration facilities when transporting the body. They also must be licensed to perform all funeral services. If you decide to use a funeral bureau to conduct a funeral, make sure to check with the Better Business Bureau. You should never be afraid to ask questions and learn more about the funeral industry. It will make the funeral process less stressful for everyone involved.
The Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers issues licenses to qualified professionals and regulates crematoriums and funeral homes. They investigate complaints and disciplinary action is taken when licensees fail to meet their standards. In addition to licensing, the bureau inspects funeral homes to ensure that they are in compliance with state regulations. They also issue certificates of inspection to funeral homes and crematories. The Bureau is a vital resource for consumers. It regulates the standards of the funeral industry and offers guidance to funeral directors and other professionals.