This compilation of laws, codes, rules and regulations is both a reference book and a text book. To be sure it has the ring of a law book, but it doesn't utilize the typical construction of legal statutes with long threads of consecutive law sections. This book is broken down into specific topics, each exploring their associated state compliance issues by examining the broad spectrum of statutes and compiling them for presentation with the topic discussion.In addition to the myriad number of state regulatory requirements, there are also a number of federal codes and rules specific to the funeral service industry. The most important of which are federal statutes known collectively as the "funeral rule." Compliance issues at the federal level are therefore included in each of the topic discussions.This book strives to always provide the "short" answer to everyday questions about mortuary law, by eliminating legal jargon, deleting long administrative passages, using common, everyday language, and utilizing unique formats and outlines to present the information.The intent of this book is to enhance the professionalism of the funeral service by providing members of the service with a competent and reliable reference book and text book. One that is readily at hand; simple in design; easy to read; and, comprehensible to the average user.

Josh Slocum and Lisa Carlson are the two most prominent advocates of consumer rights in dealing with the death industry. Here they combine efforts to inform consumers of their rights and propose long-needed reforms. Slocum is executive director of Funeral Consumers Alliance, a national nonprofit with over 90 local affiliates nationwide. Carlson is executive director of Funeral Ethics Organization, which works with the industry to try to improve ethical standards. In addition to nationwide issues, the book covers state-by-state information needed by anybody who wishes to take charge of funeral arrangements for a loved one, with or without the help of a funeral director. More information about the book and related issues can be found at www.finalrights.org .