What is the role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in funeral services?

• A. The FTC creates and enforces all pricing for funeral services.
• B. The FTC enforces the Funeral Rule, requiring accurate itemized price information and prohibiting misrepresentation.
• C. The FTC licenses funeral directors.
• D. The FTC regulates cemetery ownership.

Answer: (B)

The FTC’s role in funeral services centers on protecting consumers through price transparency. The agency enforces the Funeral Rule, which requires funeral providers to give clear, accurate, itemized price information and to avoid misrepresenting costs or requirements. This means you should receive a General Price List that breaks down the cost of each service and good, so you can compare what you’re paying for rather than encountering hidden fees or bundled packages you didn’t intend to buy. The rule also helps you understand your rights, such as the option to purchase a casket or container from a third party and to select only the items you want. The FTC does not set funeral prices, does not license funeral directors, and does not regulate cemetery ownership; its job here is to ensure truthful price information and fair practices under the Funeral Rule.