What term describes state regulation of funeral services to protect health and welfare?

The term that best describes state regulation of funeral services to protect health and welfare is police power. Police power refers to the inherent authority of the state to enact legislation and take action to ensure the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the public. This concept allows the government to regulate various professions, including funeral services, to ensure that they operate within standards that safeguard the community's well-being.

This regulation encompasses a range of practices, such as setting sanitary conditions in funeral homes, ensuring proper handling of remains, and requiring licenses for funeral service providers. Through police power, the state can establish and enforce laws that help maintain public health and safety standards in the funeral service industry, thus aligning with the community's interest in maintaining a dignified and safe environment for handling the deceased.