The funeral bureau licenses funeral directors, embalmers and mortuary science students. It is also responsible for the inspection of funeral establishments and investigating consumer complaints.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, only a licensed funeral home can arrange for the care, transportation and preparation of your loved one for burial or cremation. The cost of these services will be outlined in the home’s price list and itemized statement.
Services
Working in the funeral industry can be emotionally rewarding for those who are determined and compassionate. It can also be challenging to work with families and individuals who are grieving. Nevertheless, if you have the right set of skills, this can be an excellent career choice.
The Rule requires funeral providers to give consumers accurate information about their goods and services. This includes the General Price List (GPL), Casket Price List, Outer Burial Container Price List, and Statement of Goods and Services Selected.
The GPL must be provided to persons who inquire about funeral goods or services either in person, by telephone, or in writing. You do not have to send a GPL to persons who make an inquiry by mail unless the request comes from an individual who has already made funeral arrangements or intends to do so. This is to allow such individuals to compare prices from other funeral providers. The Statement also allows consumers to modify their selections and change the amount of any charge they wish to decline.
Fees
Some funeral firms add a service charge on top of the cost of items purchased for you from third parties, such as flowers, obituary notices and pallbearers. The Funeral Rule requires the funeral home to tell you about these charges and give you an original itemized statement of services and merchandise selected at the time of the arrangements conference.
Some consumers choose to purchase an outer burial container (OBC) as part of their funeral arrangement. If you sell OBCs, the Rules require you to provide a separate price list with photographs of the containers. You must also show this price list to consumers who wish to modify a particular container they previously purchased under a pre-need contract.
Four items that the Rule requires you to list are forwarding, receiving, direct cremation and immediate burial. These fees are non-declinable and may not be included in any of the services you are required to list on your General Price List.
Locations
NFDA members receive exclusive discounts on many of the products and services they use. Whether it’s BP gasoline, computers, office supplies or funeral service education courses NFDA has you covered.
The Board is staffed by an executive director, administrative assistants and field representatives. Administrative assistants handle office functions for licensing, renewals, complaints and other general activities of the Board. Field representatives conduct inspections of funeral directors, embalmers and funeral establishments.
Licensees are required to comply with Board regulations regarding advertising. The Board may impose sanctions if a licensee makes an inaccurate, deceptive or misleading statement, representation, guaranty, warranty or endorsement in any advertising medium.
The Board is a member of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. The conference brings together governmental boards that regulate the funeral profession and provides an inter-jurisdictional forum for sharing of information, resources and expertise. The conference addresses licensure qualification, examination, state-to-state reciprocity and other issues that impact funeral boards.
Insurance
Millions of Americans arrange their funerals and prepay some or all of the costs ahead of time. This advance planning allows you to make clear choices, avoid unnecessary sales pressure and save money. But there are scams and pitfalls to watch out for.
Burial insurance is a special type of whole life insurance policy that covers end-of-life expenses, like burial and funeral costs. It often does not require a health exam, and is more affordable than traditional life insurance policies.
If you are a funeral home, consider obtaining business owners policy (BOP). This coverage bundles general liability and property insurance into one convenient policy. You can also buy a policy that includes error and omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects against claims of negligence. NerdWallet analyzed state-level complaint data for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance. Read our methodology.