What must funeral homes do to comply with the FTC funeral rule?

To comply with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule, funeral homes are required to provide an itemized list of services and prices. This requirement ensures transparency and allows consumers to make informed decisions about funeral arrangements. The itemized list, often referred to as a General Price List (GPL), must be provided to consumers when they inquire about funeral services. This facilitates an understanding of what each service costs, empowering individuals and families to choose options that best meet their needs and budget without feeling pressured.

Providing pricing information upfront is not only a legal requirement but also reinforces ethical practices within the funeral industry, ensuring that clients aren't subjected to hidden fees or unnecessary upselling. This aspect of the FTC Funeral Rule is crucial for promoting fairness and honesty in funeral service transactions, contributing to consumer protection.

The other options do not align with the core requirements of the FTC Funeral Rule in the way that itemization does. While giving detailed pricing information over the phone and offering free consultations may be beneficial practices, they are not specifically mandated by the rule. Similarly, requiring payment in full before services is not a requirement and could be considered contrary to best practices aimed at ensuring access and affordability for clients.