Subject: Public Comment to the Trade Regulation Rule on Funeral Industry Practices

Dear FTC:

I wish to submit the following public comments for your consideration, and concerning your agency's review of the current Trade Regulation Rule on Funeral Industry Practices, which include those recommended by the Funeral and Memorial Societies of America (FAMSA):

1) I support the elimination of any "non-declinable fees".

 

2) To have the FTC consider the regulation and oversight of cemeteries and cemetery-related sales of products.

 

3) To add four items to the required itemization on the General Price List-namely, the price for private viewing without embalming, the price for body donation to a medical school, and the price for rental caskets.

 

3) To have mortuary ownership (i.e. when owned by a large conglomerate), openly disclosed on all letterhead, GPLs, and indoor/outdoor signs.

 

4) A requirement that the cost of the cremation process be included in the charge for an immediate or "direct" cremation.

 

5) A requirement that any mark-up on cash advance items be disclosed with the actual amount to be charged.

Sincerely,

John Levi