What is the role of a licensed funeral director regarding cash advance items?

The role of a licensed funeral director concerning cash advance items is to ensure transparency and fairness in pricing for families during the funeral arrangements. When cash advance items, which can include expenses such as obituary notices, flowers, or transportation fees, are presented to a client, the funeral director is required to charge the same amount that they have actually paid for those items. This practice is designed to protect consumers from inflated costs and ensures they are not overcharged for services that the funeral home does not directly provide.

Charging the same amount as what is paid prevents any potential conflict of interest where the funeral home could profit from these ancillary services. This regulation fosters trust between the funeral home and the families they serve, establishing a standard of ethical behavior in the funeral industry. That commitment to fairness is paramount in maintaining the integrity and credibility of funeral service practices.