Which federal law regulates funeral service practices?

The Funeral Rule is the federal law that regulates funeral service practices, established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This rule is designed to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and transparently when making funeral arrangements. It requires funeral providers to furnish accurate and detailed information about the prices of their services, enabling families to make informed decisions and compare prices without pressure.

Under the Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide a General Price List (GPL) to clients upon request and cannot manipulate prices or misrepresent services. It also prohibits certain deceptive practices, ensuring that consumers have the right to choose specific services rather than being forced into purchasing packages that may not meet their needs.

The other federal laws listed address different areas: for instance, HIPAA governs the privacy of health information, OSHA ensures safe and healthful working conditions, and the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability. Each of these plays a crucial role in their respective domains but does not specifically regulate funeral service practices. The Funeral Rule is uniquely designed to protect consumers in the unique context of funeral services.