Funeral service is regulated at both the national and state levels. At the federal level, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides for price disclosure and consumer protection through the "Funeral Rule". Some of the primary consumer rights that the Funeral Rule ensures are:
Laws regulating funeral service are state specific. There is usually a state-level agency that regulates the activities of funeral establishments and funeral directors. Questions regarding the practice of funeral service in your state or a particular state law may be directed to your funeral director or to the appropriate state agency.
Preplanning a funeral can offer family members peace of mind, as well as the opportunity to plan a meaningful funeral that reflects the unique life of the individual. Meeting with a local NFDA member funeral director is a good way to ensure you have all of the information you need to make informed decisions, and that your wishes are carried out.
Before making any decisions on preplanning funeral options, prefunding funeral goods and services, or signing a preneed funeral contract, we urge you to ask any and all questions you may have regarding the planning process.
An ethical and reputable NFDA funeral home will ensure the following rights and protections:
Funeral homes that belong to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) are held accountable per NFDA’s enforceable Code of Professional Conduct, which outlines various ethical and professional practices to which NFDA member funeral homes must adhere. This self-driven set of standards raises the bar for funeral directors by ensuring the highest quality professional practices of NFDA members.
When you choose to work with an NFDA-member funeral home, you can be confident the funeral home’s staff will adhere to the highest standards of excellence when serving your family and taking your loved one into their care.
NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients have been recognized by the National Funeral Directors Association for their dedication to serving families and their community.
NFDA Green Funeral Practices™ Certificate program participants have met specific requirements for funeral homes that provide green funerals and natural burials in their community.