What does the FTC regulate regarding funeral directors?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates various aspects of business practices to protect consumers, and one significant area of its regulation regarding funeral directors is the sales of goods and services. The FTC enforces the Funeral Rule, which requires funeral service providers to give consumers clear, itemized pricing for goods and services. This regulation aims to promote transparency and allow families to make informed decisions regarding funeral services without being subject to high-pressure sales tactics.

The Funeral Rule mandates that funeral homes provide a General Price List (GPL) that includes all products and services offered, ensuring that consumers are aware of their options and the costs associated with them. This regulation helps to foster fair competition and enhances consumer protection within the funeral industry, ultimately working in the best interests of families during a challenging time.

Other aspects such as training and education, employee conduct and ethics, and environmental impact are relevant to the profession but are not directly regulated by the FTC in the same manner as sales practices are.