Consumer Protection and the 1984 Funeral Rule
In October 2022, the FTC asked the public for comments on proposals to update the Funeral Rule. This comment period came on the heels of a huge public response to a 2020 request by the Commission for feedback about the existing Funeral Rule text.
Here is the letter that was sent to the FTC from the PMA Board of Directors back in 2020 and here's what the Board submitted in early 2023.
The Funeral Rule was written in 1984 and remains the only piece of federal legislation that regulates the funeral industry. We have been working alongside other organizations in the funeral industry to urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to amend the Funeral Rule.
One of the most important changes that needs to be made is requiring funeral homes to post their General Price Lists on their websites. Skip to page 52 of this FTC report to read the full list of questions that they are seeking feedback on.
In September 2023, the FTC hosted an all-day workshop made up of panels of stakeholders, all of which were addressing those questions. You can watch that full recording here (or skip to 4:53:15 when PMA's panel on green alternatives begins!).
Hundreds of people attended that workshop event in person and virtually. This federal law is designed to support consumers like you at a time when they are uniquely vulnerable. We are so grateful to all the members that submitted their own responses during the FTC's open comment period, making sure they didn't miss the chance to contribute to that essential work!
Protecting Consumers in Washington
Washington state has two main governmental bodies that work to protect consumers dealing with the funeral industry:
The mission of the WA Funerals and Cemetery Board is to police the licensing of individual funeral/cemetery industry workers, funeral homes, and cemeteries. The Board meets quarterly and can be attended virtually if giving testimony is desired.
If you think a problem with your service violates the law, you can submit a case for review via DOLBoards@dol.wa.gov
The Washington Consumer Protection Bureau serves as an arm of the office of the Attorney General, and serves as both a database of consumer complaints again businesses of all kind and an arm of investigation should legal action be required against businesses/those acting in the name of their employer. You can investigate any complaints against a funeral home by requesting data.
If you have a complaint against a funeral home, be it service or price, you can submit a complaint via this webpage.
The Consumer Protection Bureau has an informational page Dealing with Death that includes valuable consumer education for all Washingtonians.
If you are interested in helping the cause of consumer advocacy in the funeral industry, please reach out to us at People's Memorial Association by email at info@peoplesmemorial.org. There may be opportunities to volunteer today. Or you might wish to join our volunteer board of directors.
