Discussion on Proposed Amendments to the Funeral Rule Submitted to the Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed an update to the Funeral Rule, a regulation established in 1984 that requires funeral homes to provide consumers with clear, itemised pricing on funeral goods and services. The proposed change aims to address a current gap in the rule, which does not require online or electronic distribution of itemised price lists.
The FTC's proposal is part of an ongoing effort to ensure transparency and competition in the funeral services market, as the ever-increasing use of online and electronic media in the industry necessitates a modern approach to price disclosure. The proposed update would make it easier for consumers to access price information for funeral services, promoting informed decision-making and preventing deceptive practices.
The Center for Data Innovation, a prominent think tank, has voiced its support for the proposed change. They believe that updating the rule would allow consumers to more easily compare prices across the funeral services industry, potentially leading to cost savings for funeral services and increased competition among providers.
The FTC is currently accepting comments on the proposed changes to the Funeral Rule. If you are interested in learning more or providing feedback, it is advisable to check the FTC's official announcements or the Center for Data Innovation's official publications.
It is important to note that, as of July 2025, the current status of the proposed update to the Funeral Rule by the FTC is not explicitly detailed. The FTC continues to enforce the original Funeral Rule, ensuring transparency for consumers regarding funeral services pricing. However, no public, detailed information is available about a specific proposed update or the Center for Data Innovation's position supporting any changes at this time.
The Funeral Rule, as it stands, specifies that funeral providers must disclose the cost of specific funeral goods and services to the purchaser, both in-person and upon request. The rule's current lack of requirement for online or electronic distribution of itemised price lists is the gap the FTC's proposal aims to address.
In conclusion, the FTC's proposal to update the Funeral Rule is an important step towards enhancing transparency in the funeral services industry and making it easier for consumers to access price information. The public is encouraged to share their thoughts on this matter during the comment period.
- The Center for Data Innovation, a prominent think tank, agrees that updating the Funeral Rule would allow consumers to compare prices more easily, potentially leading to cost savings and increased competition in the funeral services business.
- Politicians and policy-makers involved in policy-and-legislation discussions may take note of the FTC's proposed update to the Funeral Rule, as it addresses a gap in the rule regarding the online or electronic distribution of itemised price lists, which is an expanding area in the general news.
- The FTC's hope is that the proposed update to the Funeral Rule will enable consumers to make informed decisions about funeral services, reducing the risk of deceptive practices prevalent in the industry, and ultimately fostering innovation within the AI-driven funeral services sector.
- Finance experts may find the proposed update to the Funeral Rule noteworthy due to its potential influence on pricing transparency and investment opportunities for businesses in the funeral services market, consequently impacting their financial portfolios.
