The Bureau licenses and investigates complaints against 13 different licensing categories that encompass funeral establishments, funeral directors and embalmers, apprentice embalmers, cemetery brokers, salespersons and managers; cremated remains disposers and crematories; and nearly 200 privately owned cemeteries. Our mission is to advocate consumer protection and licensee compliance through education and consistent interpretation and application of laws governing the death care industry.
Services
The Funeral Services profession is committed to following all health related rules set forth by the local and state governments. Members of the profession are obligated to embalm or prepare bodies, provide funeral and memorial services and arrange burial for a decedent. This includes ensuring that all required safety and disinfection protocols are followed.
The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau licenses and regulates 13 different licensing categories in the death care industry including: funeral establishments and funeral directors; embalmers and apprentices; cremation brokers, salespersons and managers; cemetery brokers/branch offices and additions; cremation hydrolysis facilities and crematoriums; and private cemeteries throughout California. The Bureau promotes consumer protection and licensee compliance through proactive education and consistent interpretation and application of the laws that govern the death care industry.
If you have a low income family member who recently passed, you may be eligible for financial assistance to pay for funeral expenses. Learn more at the NYC Office of Burial Services.
Pricing
Some funeral homes add a markup to the prices of goods and services they buy from outside vendors on your behalf, such as flowers, obituary notices or pallbearers. The Funeral Rule requires them to disclose this practice in writing, although it doesn’t require them to specify the amount of the markup.
Some of the costliest items include caskets, which range in price from a basic model to an expensive mahogany or bronze version. In addition, the funeral home might charge a fee to transport the remains, and may also charge for a hearse or limousine.
The funeral home’s General Price List must include prices for all merchandise, services and facilities. It’s against the law to charge more than what is on the GPL, and you have a right to see it before making arrangements. Pre-planning is an excellent way to manage funeral costs and ensure arrangements match personal and budgetary expectations. Cost-saving strategies include direct cremation, which avoids embalming and public viewing, and simpler caskets.
Availability
The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau advocates consumer protection and licensee compliance through proactive education and consistent interpretation and application of the laws governing the death care industry. The Bureau licenses and regulates more than 13,500 licensees, including funeral establishments and their licensed funeral directors; embalmers and their apprentice embalmers; cemetery brokers, salespersons, and managers; cremation services providers (crematoriums, hydrolysis facilities, and crematory managers) and private cemeteries in California. The Bureau does not regulate or have jurisdiction over cemeteries operated by religious organizations, cities, counties, military or Native American tribal organization or other entities outside of California.
For deaths occurring in New York City, the Bureau requires funeral directors, undertakers or hospitals to register the death at one of two Burial Desks located in Manhattan and Brooklyn. A copy of the original itemized funeral contract signed by the Funeral Director and notarized in the presence of a Notary Public or Commissioner of Deeds will be required for reimbursement.