The Bureau advocates consumer protection through proactive education and consistent interpretation and enforcement of laws governing funeral service and cemeteries. It also oversees licensed professionals and establishments, and provides licensing and continuing education services.
HRA’s Office of Burial Services (OBS) can help pay for funeral expenses for low-income New York City residents. OBS can reimburse funeral expenses that have already been paid or pre-approve payment for a planned funeral.
Funeral Director
Funeral directors are the first people families meet with when they contact a funeral home for assistance. They help families navigate the many choices involved in arranging a farewell ceremony that reflects the deceased’s personality and culture. They may also advise families on selecting caskets and urns.
In addition to coordinating the logistics of burials and cremations, funeral directors provide emotional support to grieving families. They listen attentively as family members describe their loved one’s history and share their thoughts and memories. They often take on the role of mediator in family conflicts and disagreements.
Licensing requirements for funeral directors vary by state. Many graduates of 2-year funeral service and mortuary science programs complete a 1 to 3-year apprenticeship before becoming licensed. Some states allow for reciprocal licensure, allowing out-of-state mortuary science practitioners to work in the state without completing an internship or passing a national exam.
Embalmer
Embalmers are tasked with preparing bodies for funeral services, burials or cremations. A mix of science and art, embalmers use preservation fluids to ensure a body looks natural and serene at a viewing or service.
They also repair damaged areas, close the eyes and mouth, and shave and dress the body. This process is known as “setting the features.” Embalmers may also need to reconstruct bone formations and skin tissues if the deceased died in a violent or severe accident.
Forensic embalmers work with law enforcement agencies, medical examiners and pathologists to preserve and examine bodies for forensic purposes. They are also called upon to prepare cadavers for research or anatomical studies. The embalmer’s duties include adherence to strict safety protocols, as well as documentation and record-keeping.
Undertaker
The death of a loved one is a traumatic experience that forces families to make decisions on the fly. This is especially true when it comes to funeral and burial arrangements. Having an understanding of the various roles involved can help families navigate the industry with confidence.
A career as an undertaker involves a delicate blend of compassion and professionalism. The path typically begins with formal education in mortuary science, which includes coursework in embalming, funeral planning, and business management. Then, aspiring morticians must complete an apprenticeship to gain practical experience and earn state licensure. Other qualifications include skills in counseling and an understanding of different cultural funeral practices. The TFSC promotes consumer protection and licensee compliance through proactive education, inspections, and enforcement. It also supports end-of-life choices through consumer education and advocacy.
Cemetery Manager
The cemetery manager oversees the operations and maintenance of a burial ground. The role involves managing staff and ensuring that all activities take place in accordance with regulations and policies. Among other responsibilities, they are responsible for the management of financial matters, including accounts payable and receivable and inventory. They are also tasked with the delicate act of modernising historical infrastructure while preserving their essence.
A dedicated cemetery manager is passionate about creating a dignified environment and providing compassionate service to grieving families. They excel at ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while optimizing administrative processes for operational efficiency. Moreover, they possess exceptional organizational skills, which enable them to effectively manage staff and coordinate interments while ensuring accurate record-keeping. They are also able to resolve customer inquiries and complaints promptly.
Memorial Society
A memorial society can help people simplify their funeral arrangements. They usually offer recommendations, members-only discounts and can serve as advocates. However, they don’t actually manage the funeral or perform any rites.
The Division regulates the funeral and cemetery services industry. It sets standards for professions and occupations, licenses death care establishments, investigates complaints against licensed professionals, and inspects funeral homes and crematories.
FCA’s mission is to protect consumers from deceptive funeral, burial and cremation arrangements by educating individuals about the options and helping them make informed decisions. The organization has helped thousands of families save money and make funeral arrangements that reflect their individual preferences. In addition, it helps consumers understand and exercise their rights. It also ensures that funeral directors, embalmers and cemetery managers are able to practice professionally and ethically.