What must be included in the General Price List provided by funeral homes?

The requirement for funeral homes to provide a General Price List (GPL) includes itemized prices for all services and merchandise offered. This regulation is part of the Funeral Rule established by the Federal Trade Commission, which aims to protect consumers by ensuring transparency in pricing. By including an itemized list, funeral homes allow families to understand the costs associated with various services and products, enabling them to make informed decisions based on their budget and preferences.

Providing only the most popular services, while potentially convenient, does not fulfill the legal requirement for comprehensive transparency. Similarly, while an estimated total cost for services might help consumers gauge expenses, it lacks the detail necessary to identify specific charges and can vary widely depending on choices made. Discounts on future services may be a marketing strategy but are not mandated for inclusion in the GPL. Thus, the itemization of all services and merchandise promotes fairness and clarity in the funeral planning process.