Legal Compliance & Documentation in Funeral Services Flashcards
7 cards from real CMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Legal Compliance & Documentation in Funeral Services flashcards as text
A funeral home embalms a body without first obtaining written authorization. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, this is a violation because:
Answer: Consumers must be told embalming is not required by law and must give prior consent
The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to disclose that embalming is not legally required in most cases and to obtain prior authorization before performing it.
Which of the following is an example of a 'non-declinable' fee that a funeral home may charge under the FTC Funeral Rule?
Answer: Basic services of funeral director and staff fee
The FTC Funeral Rule allows funeral homes to charge a non-declinable 'basic services' fee that covers overhead and required professional services regardless of the package selected.
When a funeral home acts as an agent purchasing cash advance items (e.g., flowers, obituary notices), what must they disclose?
Answer: Any charges or markups above the actual cost of the items
The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to disclose any service charge or surcharge above the actual cost when handling cash advance items on behalf of the family.
In most U.S. states, which person in the following list has the HIGHEST priority in the next-of-kin hierarchy for authorizing disposition?
Answer: Surviving spouse or domestic partner
In most states, the surviving spouse or domestic partner holds the highest priority in the next-of-kin hierarchy for authorizing the disposition of remains.
What must a funeral home do if it cannot obtain prior authorization for embalming and embalming is not required by law?
Answer: Not embalm the remains unless authorization is obtained
Without prior authorization and absent a legal requirement, the funeral home must not embalm the remains, as the FTC Funeral Rule and most state laws prohibit unauthorized embalming.
Which of the following deaths would MOST likely require a medical examiner's case report before the funeral home can proceed with disposition?
Answer: A 45-year-old found unresponsive at home with no known medical history
An unattended death with no known medical history is suspicious and reportable to the medical examiner, who must investigate before the funeral home can proceed.
What is the primary purpose of a 'Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected'?
Answer: To itemize all services and merchandise selected and their prices for the consumer
The Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected is an itemized document that lists every service and item chosen by the consumer along with their individual prices.