The Funeral Rule

When a loved one dies, tons and tons of burdens come into play. Without counting emotional stresses, we also experience the stress that comes with the dozens of decisions that need to be made regarding the funeral. All of them should be made quickly under the stress of time. What funeral home should your loved one be sent to? Are there any funeral plans pre-arranged? How do you obtain funeral services and advisories? Are there any burial insurance to cover up some of the expenses? Needless to say, it is a load for those left behind to deal with such troubles and it is a fact that there are people out there who abuse mourners who are in a vulnerable state.

There are people who abuse others concerning the decisions in choosing the right funeral goods and services needed for the bereaving family members. Some would even raise the prices of such goods and services to cater themselves. These problems have caused such clamor to consumers that the Federal Trade Commission began to regulate the Funeral Rule. But, what is the Funeral Rule and how does it affect the family?

The Funeral Industry Practice, also known as the Funeral Rule, was entitled on September 24, 1982 and became effective on April 30, 1984. The main purpose of the Funeral Rule is to ensure that consumers get the appropriate information needed to make purchasing decisions for funeral goods and services.

According to the Funeral Rule, consumers have the right to choose the funeral goods and services chosen and that the funeral homes and directors should have a written general price list. Another rule included is that if any state or local law requires a consumer to purchase a particular item, the provider must have it written in the price list in line with a reference to the specific law. A funeral provider with funeral services and crematories should have other optional containers, more specifically, urns available for use. The funeral provider must give you a detailed statement regarding the overall cost of the funeral goods and services chosen. Finally, the Funeral Rule requires the funeral provider to provide in writing if they charge a fee for buying cash advance items. Examples of such items would be flowers, notices and other important commodities.

The loss of a loved one should not be an emotionally debilitating experience for you and your family. The Funeral Rule was made to protect consumers from abuse by funeral providers and it is your right to be protected in these times when you just can't bear another problem. Make it a point to learn your rights and be informed.