Funeral Service Law and Ethics Flashcards

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, how long must a funeral home retain price list documentation?

Answer: 2 years

The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral providers to retain copies of price lists and itemized statements for at least 2 years.

Which ethical principle requires a funeral director to act in the best interest of the family, even when it conflicts with the funeral home's profit?

Answer: Beneficence

Beneficence obligates funeral professionals to act in ways that benefit the client family, prioritizing their welfare.

A family requests that their deceased relative be embalmed without disclosure of the cost. What must the funeral director do?

Answer: Provide the embalming price on the itemized statement

The FTC Funeral Rule mandates itemized disclosure of all charges, including embalming, on the Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected.

Which federal agency enforces the Funeral Rule that regulates funeral home pricing and disclosure practices?

Answer: FTC

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces the Funeral Rule, which went into effect in 1984.

A preneed contract guarantees the price of funeral services at today's rate. What type of preneed contract is this?

Answer: Guaranteed contract

A guaranteed preneed contract locks in current prices, with the funeral home absorbing any cost increases at the time of death.

Which of the following best describes 'informed consent' in funeral service?

Answer: Family understanding and agreeing to services and costs before they are rendered

Informed consent means the family has been fully educated about options and costs and voluntarily agrees before services are provided.

Under most state laws, who has the highest priority to authorize final disposition of human remains?

Answer: Surviving spouse

The surviving spouse typically holds the highest priority right to authorize disposition under most state statutory next-of-kin hierarchy laws.