What is the primary legislation governing funeral practices in the U.S.?

The Funeral Rule is the primary legislation governing funeral practices in the United States. Established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 1984, it was designed to protect consumers in their dealings with funeral providers. The rule requires that funeral homes provide clear, itemized price information so that families can make informed decisions about the services and products they wish to purchase. This transparency helps ensure that consumers are not misled into purchasing unnecessary services or inflated prices, fostering fair practices within the industry.

The Funeral Rule also mandates that funeral providers must offer a general price list (GPL) and disclose the costs associated with various services and merchandise. This level of regulation is crucial for ensuring ethical practices and safeguarding the rights of consumers in an emotionally sensitive market.

Other options, while they may address specific aspects of funeral practices or related topics, do not have the comprehensive impact or regulatory authority that the Funeral Rule possesses. For instance, the Burial Practices Act may pertain to specific regulations about burials, but it does not encompass the broader scope of services that the Funeral Rule covers.