There are several agencies that regulate the funeral industry and provide consumer protection. The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection enforces the Funeral Rule, designed to protect consumers. In addition, in New Jersey, funerals are regulated by two separate agencies, the New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science and the New Jersey Cemetery Board. Both boards operate under the state Division of Consumer Affairs.
State Board of Mortuary Science
The mortuary board is the agency that licenses New Jersey funeral directors and funeral homes. The mortuary board regulates:
- funeral director conduct
- sales practices
- funeral home facilities
- licensing
- continuing education requirements for funeral directors