Our Duty of Care Standards

Many Funeral homes require embalming if you're planning a viewing or visitation. Embalming is not necessary or legally required if the body is buried or cremated shortly after death.

If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require that you pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial. Eliminating this service can save you hundreds of dollars.  

Under the funeral rule, a funeral provider:

• May not provide embalming services without permission

• May not falsely state that embalming is required by law

• Must disclose in writing that embalming is not required by law, except in certain special cases

• May not charge a fee for unauthorized embalming unless embalming is required by state law

• Must disclose in writing that you usually have the right to choose a disposition, such as direct cremation or immediate burial, that does not require embalming if you do not want this service.

• Must disclose in writing that some funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing, may make embalming a practical necessity and, if so, a required purchase.

Presentative Processes and Products 

As far back as the ancient Egyptians, people have used oils, herbs and special body preparation to help preserve the bodies of the dead.  Yet, no process or products have been devised to preserve a body in the grave indefinitely.  The Funeral Rule prohibits funeral providers from telling you that it can be done.  For example, funeral providers may not claim that either embalming or a particular type of casket will preserve the body of the deceased for an unlimited time.

Other Preparations of Body

Restoration, cosmetology, dressing and casketing.  Washing and disinfecting of the deceased when there is no embalming. Special Care of Autopsied Deceased (in addition to embalming). Special Care of Extensive Organ Donation. Other preparation of Body when shipped from another funeral home.