What is the primary governing body for funeral service professionals in the United States?

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is recognized as the primary governing body for funeral service professionals in the United States. It plays a crucial role in representing the interests of funeral directors and the profession as a whole. The NFDA offers a wide range of resources, including education, advocacy, and guidelines for ethical practice, which help establish and uphold professional standards within the industry. The organization also supports funeral professionals through legislative initiatives and by providing valuable networking opportunities.

While other organizations, such as the American Funeral Association and the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, also contribute to the funeral service profession, they do not hold the same level of comprehensive representation and resources that the NFDA provides. The Association of Burial Practitioners serves a more specialized niche and therefore does not encompass the broader spectrum of funeral service professionals in the same way as the NFDA.