What’s on the agenda for the September 7th FTC Funeral Rules event

The FTC is continuing to evaluate the impact of the funeral rule on consumers and businesses. Next step: A “Buying Funeral Services” seminar will be held on September 7, 2023. Check out the just announced agenda.

Funeral Service Shopping will bring together representatives from consumer groups, industry, academia and regulators to discuss a range of issues raised in response to the FTC’s November 2022 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, including whether funeral service providers should be required to provide pricing online . Following Commissioner Slaughter’s introductory remarks at 9:30 ET, the first panel will consider virtual disclosures. Do they need it? What are the advantages and disadvantages? The next panel will continue the discussion of online disclosures, focusing on practicalities.

The afternoon meeting will begin with a discussion of basic service charges. The next panel will provide an update on the general price list, including fee disclosures and mandatory embalming disclosures. The final session of the day will examine the impact of technology trends related to funerals.

For those planning to attend the funeral service shopping event in person, the event is free and open to the public and will open at 8:30 ET at the Federal Trade Commission Constitution Center Conference Facility, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC. Or you can watch the webcast via the link on the event page.

The FTC will retain records until October 10, 2023 so that you can submit public comments online.this Notice The Federal Register contains how-to information.