What is the purpose of the Funeral Rule established by the FTC?

The Funeral Rule established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) aims to provide guidelines that reduce the potential for consumer deception in the funeral industry. This rule requires funeral providers to disclose accurate pricing information, ensuring that consumers can easily understand their options and make informed decisions. It promotes transparency by requiring funeral homes to provide a General Price List at the outset of discussions, thereby preventing misleading practices and enabling consumers to compare prices.

This regulation is critical for protecting consumers, as the emotional nature of dealing with death can make individuals more vulnerable to high-pressure sales tactics or hidden fees. Therefore, the purpose of the Funeral Rule is fundamentally focused on consumer protection and transparency in the funeral service process, rather than restricting the number of funeral homes, increasing prices, or addressing preneed arrangements.