Josh Slocum and Lisa Carlson are the two most prominent advocates of consumer rights in dealing with the death industry. Here they combine efforts to inform consumers of their rights and propose long-needed reforms. Slocum is executive director of Funeral Consumers Alliance, a national nonprofit with over 90 local affiliates nationwide. Carlson is executive director of Funeral Ethics Organization, which works with the industry to try to improve ethical standards. In addition to nationwide issues, the book covers state-by-state information needed by anybody who wishes to take charge of funeral arrangements for a loved one, with or without the help of a funeral director. More information about the book and related issues can be found at www.finalrights.org .

This college textbook was written for use in accredited academic institutions in the United States authorized to offer college-level funeral service programs pursuant to the requirements of the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). The Regulatory Compliance instructional outline and glossary of the ABFSE is the foundation upon which this book has been written. The material presented in this book is the subject matter from which mandatory national board examination questions are derived. This particular textbook addresses the Regulatory Compliance subtest on the national funeral services Arts examination. It offers a full review of the FTC Funeral Rule as it relates to the requirement to provide consumers with itemized price lists, including a General Price List, Casket Price List, and Outer Burial Container Price List. It also reviews the FTC mandated Itemized Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected documentation that must be provided to each consumer at the close of funeral arrangements. The book has a comprehensive glossary cross-referenced to the chapters; an alphabetical index; sources consulted listing; table of contents; and preface.

In this book you will learn 1. About pertinent funeral laws and the issues around them. Anyone who has considered the benefits of home funerals has probably also been concerned about the laws governing after-death processes and procedures. Restoring Families' Right to Choose: the call for funeral legislation change in America was written to educate the public and their policymakers at all levels of government about the issues that inform current laws and policies affecting home funeral families. In addition, it lays out a vision in clear language for legislative funeral reform in America that empowers families while addressing the needs of government. 2. How to navigate and overcome noncompliant institutional policies. Knowing that all Americans have the right to care for their own in their homes after death is the first step. But what happens when following the legal process still leads to roadblocks in institutions and businesses that have policies that are not in sync with the law? What to Do When Home Funeral Rights Are Challenged contains a concise list of potential obstacles and how to anticipate and resolve issues quickly.