The FTC has long recommended that families have in-depth, advance discussions about funerals, and we ourselves take this advice seriously. In November 2022, the Commission issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking public comment on proposed changes to the funeral rules. We plan to hold a workshop on 7 September 2023 to consider the issues raised by the ANPR.
The Funeral Rule has been in place for nearly 40 years, and the FTC regularly reviews and reconsiders it to ensure it reflects evolving technology and traditions. From the beginning, the core purpose of the rule has been to give consumers the information they need to make informed decisions—a process that can be complicated by the fact that families often must consider their options in grieving situations. As part of its regulatory review, the FTC announced last year that it would maintain the Funeral Rule but was also seeking comments on potential rule updates to reflect how consumers currently obtain information about products and services. One noteworthy proposal: whether and how funeral providers should be required to display or distribute their price information online or electronically.
As the Federal Register Notice explains, other topics that may be considered at the workshop may include the master price list provided by the rule, whether third-party cremation fees and other third-party fees should be disclosed in the master price list, the rule (e.g., embalming disclosures), new forms of disposal of human remains, and whether funeral service providers should be required (or allowed) to provide general price lists in languages other than English in certain circumstances.
Interested in participating as a panelist? Please email us by June 19, 2023: futurerule@ftc.gov. We will also retain records until October 10, 2023 so you can submit public comments. If you are affiliated with an entity that funds research, analysis, or commentary on a relevant topic, please indicate the source of that funding in your request to speak or comment. In addition, please indicate your interest in proceedings in your request.readFor more information, see the Federal Register Notice.
The September 7 event is open to the public and will be held at the Federal Trade Commission’s Constitution Center Auditorium, 400 7th Street SW, Washington. Can’t get to DC that day? Watch the webcast via the link we posted that morning. Follow the Business Blog for the latest news on the agenda and speakers.
