What must the statement of funeral goods and services include?

The statement of funeral goods and services must include the total charge and itemized fees to ensure transparency and clarity for consumers. This requirement is rooted in regulations set forth by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under the Funeral Rule, which aims to protect the rights of consumers in the event of death by providing them with concise and comprehensive pricing information.

Including an itemized list allows consumers to see the specific costs associated with each service and product offered, empowering them to make informed decisions based on their needs and budgets. Having the total charge displayed alongside the itemized fees reinforces clarity, enabling families to understand how costs accumulate and what they are paying for. This approach also fosters trust between funeral service providers and the families they serve, as clients can have confidence in the breakdown of charges provided to them.