Proposed Funeral Rule changes under consideration at September workshop lfair May 17, 2023 | 3:50PM Proposed Funeral Rule changes under consideration at September workshop By Lesley Fair The FTC has always recommended that families have in-depth, upfront discussions about funerals and it’s advice we take seriously ourselves. In November 2022, the Commission issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, asking for public comment about proposed changes to the Funeral Rule. We’re following up with a workshop scheduled for September 7, 2023, to consider issues raised by the ANPR. The Funeral Rule has been in place for almost 40 years and the FTC has reviewed and reconsidered it periodically to make sure it reflects evolving technology and traditions. From the start, a central purpose of the Rule has been to give consumers access to information they need to make informed decisions – a process that can be complicated by the fact that families often must consider the options under a mantle of grief. As part of its regulatory review, the FTC announced last year that it was retaining the Funeral Rule, but also that it was seeking comments concerning potential Rule updates to reflect how consumers currently get information about products and services. One notable proposal: whether and how funeral providers should be required to display or distribute their price information online or through electronic means. As the Federal Register Notice explains, other topics under possible consideration at the workshop may include the General Price List mandated by the Rule, whether third-party crematory fees and other third-party fees should be disclosed in the General Price List, disclosures required by the Rule (for example, the embalming disclosure), new forms of disposition of human remains, and whether in certain circumstances funeral providers should be required (or permitted) to give out General Price Lists in languages other than English. Interested in participating as a panelist? Email us at funeralrule@ftc.gov by June 19, 2023. We’ll also keep the record open until October 10, 2023, so you can file a public comment. If you’re affiliated with an entity that has provided funding for research, analysis, or commentary on relevant topics, please identify the source of that funding in your request to speak or in your comment. In addition, please identify in your request to speak your interest in the proceeding. Read the Federal Register Notice for details. The September 7th event is open to the public and will take place at the FTC’s Constitution Center auditorium, 400 7th Street, S.W., in Washington. Can’t make it to DC that day? Watch the webcast from a link we’ll post that morning. Follow the Business Blog for updates about the agenda and speakers.  

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