How can I file a complaint against a funeral home or cemetery?
If you have a complaint against a funeral home you can submit a complaint to the WA Consumer Protections Bureau via this webpage. The Consumer Protection Bureau will make your complaint publicly available and send your complaint to the funeral home to allow them to respond to your complaint.
If you think a funeral home or cemetery has violated the law, you can submit a case for review via DOLBoards@dol.wa.gov
If you are concerned about your PMA Membership or how your PMA Member Benefits have been rendered, please call PMA at 206-325-0489 or email info@peoplesmemorial.org. People's Memorial Association and its staff are happy to advocate for you when dealing with funeral homes and their misdoings. Our expert staff can help you navigate the details of funeral home services and procedures, or can help connect you with those who are best suited to serve your specific needs.
What governmental agencies regulate the funeral industy?
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.
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. The Consumer Protection Bureau has an informational page Dealing with Death that includes valuable consumer education for all Washingtonians.
Nationally, the Federal Trade Commission oversees enforcement of the Funeral Rule and governs interstate and international funeral matters. Click here for the FTC contact information.
