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On February 14, 2020, the Commission initiated periodic review of the Funeral Industry Practices Rule (Funeral Rule or Rule). 85 FR 8490 (Feb. 14, 2020). The comment period as extended closed on June 15, 2020. 85 FR 20453 (April 13, 2020). The Commission received 785 comments and staff is reviewing that information. The Rule, which became effective in 1984, requires sellers of funeral goods and services to give price lists to consumers who visit a funeral home and disclose price and other information to callers who request it over the telephone. The Rule enables consumers to select and purchase only the goods and services they want and requires funeral providers to seek authority before performing some services such as embalming. The Rule also requires funeral providers to make disclosures regarding any required purchases and prohibits misrepresentations regarding requirements and other aspects of funeral goods and services. On November 2, 2022, the Commission issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on potential updates to modernize the Funeral Rule, including improvements to the public accessibility of funeral home price information. 87 FR 66096 (Nov. 2, 2022). The comment period closed on January 17, 2023.

The Commission held a public workshop on September 7, 2023. 88 FR 33011 (May 23, 2023). The workshop explored issues relating to the Funeral Rule’s General Price List requirements, including whether and how funeral providers should be required to provide price lists electronically or online, and other issues raised in the comments received in response to the 2022 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The comment period for any written comments related to the issues discussed at the workshop closed on October 10, 2023. Staff is currently reviewing the public comments.