What must a funeral director provide to families before finalizing the arrangements?

Before finalizing the arrangements, a funeral director is required to provide a General Price List (GPL) to families. The GPL is a crucial document that outlines the prices for various funeral services and items offered by the funeral home. It ensures transparency and allows families to make informed decisions about the services they wish to select. By providing this list, funeral directors adhere to the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule, which mandates that consumers receive clear pricing information before making any financial commitments.

This practice not only supports families in understanding their options but also promotes ethical standards within the funeral industry. The GPL includes a broad range of services, such as basic services, embalming, and other preparations, as well as merchandise like caskets and urns. By presenting this information upfront, families can compare costs and make more informed choices that best fit their needs and budget.