Consumer Protection and Disclosures
The General Price List and disclosures
California consumer protection centers on written disclosures and itemized pricing. The establishment must provide a General Price List and give consumers the right to select only the goods and services they want, with required disclosures about embalming, caskets, outer burial containers, and direct cremation or immediate burial options. A frequent trap is a question implying embalming is always legally required-it is not; it is a choice except in specific circumstances such as certain public health or transportation situations.
Contracts and authorization
Arrangement contracts must be in writing, itemized, and signed by the person with legal authority to control disposition. Know the right of disposition hierarchy (spouse or registered domestic partner, then other statutory relatives) and that a funeral director must make reasonable efforts to identify the legally authorized person. Disputes among family members are a common exam scenario.
Advertising and misrepresentation
False or misleading advertising, bait-and-switch pricing, and unauthorized use of professional titles are prohibited. The Bureau can cite establishments for failing to disclose that a price excludes certain required items.
Rule of thumb
Apply the "show it in writing, itemize it, and let them decline it" test. Example: a family requests direct cremation; the establishment must quote the direct cremation price, disclose that embalming is not required, and may not bundle unwanted services into the contract.