The bureau licenses funeral directors, embalmers and funeral establishments. It regulates their minimum standards of professionalism and investigates complaints against them.
Consumers are guaranteed an itemized price list of general services BEFORE deciding on caskets, outer burial containers or vaults. And they can be given a copy of the laws before signing any contract.
Licensing and Regulation
Many states have licensing requirements for funeral directors and embalmers. They also often have laws about how to handle and dispose of a corpse, and, in some places, even how much unburnt tissue can remain after cremation!
If you have a complaint about the business practices of a funeral director or embalmer, you can complain to the licensing board in your state. It may order a refund, or it might require additional education. It might impose a fine, and, in rare cases, it might even take away the funeral director’s or embalmer’s license.
If you have a complaint, we recommend that you send it to the licensing board in your state (click here for a list of contact information). Include a copy for Funeral Consumers Alliance, so that we can follow up on it. We are committed to providing consumers with the best possible services and ensuring that funeral homes comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Complaints and Investigations
The vast majority of states have a funeral board, agency or bureau that regulates the business of funeral homes, cremation services and memorial products. These oversight groups can be a great source of information and help for consumers who have problems with their providers.
Complaints can be filed online, by mail or over the phone. Consumers often find it helpful to talk first with the provider about their complaint before filing a formal grievance. That can often result in the problem being resolved.
A complaint also can alert the state funeral board to a potential problem and prompt corrective action. For example, in 2023 the Federal Trade Commission sent 39 funeral homes warning letters for violating the Funeral Rule, which requires them to disclose pricing to people arranging funerals, including itemized price information on the telephone. They also must not misrepresent legal requirements, such as falsely claiming that embalming is required by law when it isn’t.
Regulation of Preneed Funeral Contracts
Preneed contracts require a specific amount of money to be earmarked for the cost of services and merchandise. This is accomplished through a funeral trust or funeral insurance. A number of providers are using these products to offer pre-paid funeral arrangements.
Many funeral directors find that a preneed product is a very effective sales tool if the firm markets it effectively. They may use a variety of strategies including marketing to areas of town where they do not draw at-need business.
When an individual makes pre-need arrangements, the Rule requires that a written General Price List be given and a Casket Price List shown to them. A funeral provider also must give the survivor a copy of the itemized Statement of Goods and Services Selected, at their request.
Information for Consumers
The death of a loved one is a traumatic event for everyone involved. Knowing your rights and making informed decisions can help you avoid being taken advantage of when making arrangements.
The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to give consumers a General Price List during an in-person arrangements conference. This information helps consumers make more informed choices, control costs and avoid being pressured into buying package deals.
In addition to a casket price list, funeral homes must also provide an itemized list of merchandise and services available. This can be given to customers at the arrangement conference, or by mailing an Itemized Statement after arrangements have been made. It is illegal for funeral homes to charge an “arrangement fee” and then use it to cover other costs such as filing the death certificate or getting permits.
Consumers should make a point of asking whether a funeral home is a member of the NFDA or SIFH. This may indicate that it abides by the code of ethics of those organizations.