During the funeral arrangements process, a family must consider the various options that are available to them. The decision of which option to choose is a personal one, but the funeral bureau will be able to offer advice and information to assist families make the best choices.
Regulation of the practice of funeral service
SS 3-412 enumerates requirements for conducting funeral service practice. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:
A license is required for any person, partnership, corporation, or entity engaged in the practice of funeral service. This regulation is intended to protect the health and welfare of the public. In addition, it enables the Department of Public Health to inspect and regulate funeral service establishments. The department may perform inspections, make recommendations, and issue notices.
In order to obtain a funeral home license, the applicant must complete a board-supplied form. This form includes the location of the funeral home, as well as the names of all persons involved with the management of the business. The license must be accompanied by a fee. The fee is not refundable and must be related to the cost of administering the licensing process.
Inspections of funeral homes
During the past several years, funeral bureau inspections have been conducted in six states. Investigators working undercover found that a number of funeral homes had failed to disclose pricing information to consumers. In addition, the regulators found that the crematories they inspected were not sanitary.
The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule was issued in 1984. It requires that funeral providers show a price list before a consumer views a casket. It also prohibits requiring a consumer to purchase a casket as a condition of purchasing other funeral goods. In addition, the rule requires that an outer burial container price list be posted before the consumer views the grave liners.
In Colorado, regulators inspected a couple’s Silverthorne funeral home. They discovered possible mixing of cremation ashes and possibly giving the wrong remains to a family member. They also found unsanitary conditions in other funeral homes.
Investigation of consumer complaints
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of the Attorney General offered guidance on funeral planning. One of the most important things consumers can do is contact the local funeral bureau to find out if they are reputable. The Bureau ensures that the highest standards of care are met.
The Bureau also investigates complaints against licensed professionals. The state of California licenses approximately 13,500 funeral service providers. It also enforces laws against licensed professionals.
The Funeral Rule, issued in 1984, carries a civil penalty of up to $46,517 for violations. It requires that funeral homes provide itemized price lists and prices on demand. It also gives consumers several key rights when it comes to choosing a funeral home.
For example, the funeral home may not require the purchase of a casket as a condition of providing other funeral services. It can be difficult to arrange a funeral with cremation as a part of the arrangements.
Financial assistance not available directly from the state agency
Among funeral related acronyms, the alpha is not a bad place to start. If you’re in the unfortunate position of having to write the obituary for your loved one, you’ll want to find out if there are any shady funeral service providers lurking around. Thankfully, there are several companies that have slashed their prices by a large margin, and you should be able to get the funeral of your dreams. The best ones can be found by putting in some time in your local directory. You’ll also be surprised to learn that there are more funeral service providers out there than you have fingers, hands, or teeth to spare!
Prepaying for funeral arrangements before passing away
Using a prepaid funeral plan to pay for your final arrangements before you pass away can save your family from financial burdens. It can also give you peace of mind. By choosing a prepaid plan, you can secure your loved ones’ final resting place, flowers, visitation services, and more.
Typically, you can use the funds to cover your current funeral costs, or you can deposit them in an account that you set up before your death. This account will be accessed by your surviving family members without going through probate.
You can also set up a “payable on death” account through your bank. This type of account is similar to a savings account. You can make the account payable to a trusted family member or friend. In addition to being a safe and secure way to invest your money, you earn interest on the funds.