Selected Independent Funeral Homes

The FTC "Funeral Rule"

While many funeral service providers look out for the best interests of the consumer, not all are ethically sound. To protect your interests, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission mandated the "Funeral Rule" in 1982 and has developed consumer guidelines so you can know your rights.

However, these regulations apply only to actual funeral homes and directors. Other service providers such as crematories and cemeteries are not subject to the FTC Funeral Rule.

Selected Independent Funeral Homes monitors its members to ensure they abide by the FTC rule and our stricter Code of Good Funeral Practice. In fact, our code existed long before the Funeral Rule and provided the foundations for the FTC guidelines. Selected Independent Funeral Homes (then National Selected Morticians) acted as a key participant in the original Funeral Rule proceeding and has been involved with every amendment hearing since.

Please use our Contact page to ask any questions regarding the rule and your rights as a consumer.



	The FTC "Funeral Rule" While many funeral service providers look out for the best interests of the consumer, not all are ethically sound. To protect your interests, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission mandated the "Funeral Rule" in 1982 and has developed consumer guidelines so you can know your rights. However, these regulations apply only to actual funeral homes and directors. Other service providers such as crematories and cemeteries are not subject to the FTC Funeral Rule. Selected Independent Funeral Homes monitors its members to ensure they abide by the FTC rule and our stricter Code of Good Funeral Practice. In fact, our code existed long before the Funeral Rule and provided the foundations for the FTC guidelines. Selected Independent Funeral Homes (then National Selected Morticians) acted as a key participant in the original Funeral Rule proceeding and has been involved with every amendment hearing since. Please use our Contact page to ask any questions regarding the rule and your rights as a consumer.	The rights afforded comsumers through the FTC "Funeral Rule" include: - The right to choose the funeral goods and services - The right to receive information, in writing, about funeral services and merchandise before any decisions and purchases are made. This information should come in the form of a General Price List. - The right to receive information concerning the purchase of any items that are required by law. - The right to use a casket purchased from someone other than the funeral home. - The right to have alternative containers available from funeral providers that perform cremations









This Section: Helpful Funeral Information What You Should Know as a Consumer ----Smart Consumer Information ----FTC "Funeral Rule" ----Funeral Homes vs. Other Options ----Independent Ownership ----vs. National Chains Funeral Service Guides ----Step-by-Step Guide ----Arranging a Funeral ----A Practical Checklist ----Your Grieving Experience ----A Friend's Guide to Funerals ----Religious Funeral Practices Links to Related Information

	PDF - FTC Facts for Consumers PDF - FTC: Paying Final Respects: Your Rights When Buying Funeral Goods & Services PDF - FTC: Pre -Planning Funerals Helps Make Decisions Easier PDF - The FTC Rule: Part 453 Funeral Industry Practices PDF - Our Association's Comments to the FTC on the "Funeral Rule"