FREE BMS Bachelor of Mortuary Science Funeral Service Law and Ethics Questions and Answers Flashcards

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, which of the following is a funeral home REQUIRED to provide to consumers upon request?

Answer: A General Price List

The FTC Funeral Rule mandates that funeral providers must give consumers a General Price List (GPL) detailing prices for goods and services.

Which legal concept holds a funeral director personally liable for mishandling remains even without proof of intentional wrongdoing?

Answer: Negligence

Negligence applies when a funeral director fails to exercise reasonable care in handling remains, regardless of intent.

What is the primary purpose of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA)?

Answer: To govern the donation of bodies and organs after death

The UAGA provides a legal framework for individuals to donate their bodies or organs for transplantation, research, or education after death.

A funeral director discovers that a decedent's family disagrees about cremation versus burial. In most US states, who has the PRIMARY legal authority to make disposition decisions?

Answer: The surviving spouse

In most US jurisdictions, the surviving spouse holds the primary legal right to control the disposition of remains.

Which ethical principle requires a funeral director to fully disclose all costs and avoid hidden fees when arranging services?

Answer: Transparency

Transparency in funeral service ethics obligates directors to provide complete and honest disclosure of all charges to consumers.

What legal document allows an individual to designate a specific person to handle their funeral arrangements after death?

Answer: Designation of Agent for Disposition

A Designation of Agent for Disposition specifically authorizes a named person to control funeral and burial decisions, recognized in most US states.