Are funeral homes in Missouri allowed to charge for basic service fees?

Funeral homes in Missouri are allowed to charge a basic service fee as part of their operations. This basic service fee typically covers the essential costs of facilitating the funeral, including services related to obtaining vital statistics, coordinating arrangements, and maintaining facilities. The allowance for this fee is consistent with federal regulations set forth by the Funeral Rule, which requires transparency and fair practice within the industry.

Funeral homes are required to provide a general price list to consumers at the start of the arrangement conference, detailing any fees they may charge for various services, including the basic service fee. This transparency ensures that consumers are informed and can make educated decisions about the services they are selecting, reinforcing ethical practices within the profession.

Thus, the correct answer reflects the regulation that permits funeral homes to charge for the basic service fee while emphasizing the importance of consumer rights and transparency in pricing.