We hope the following short compendium of links will prove helpful, particularly the Massachusetts-specific sites. A much more comprehensive list of links can be found on the national FCA website http://www.funerals.org/
Note: The Green Burial Committee of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Western Massachusetts (FCAWM) now has its own website at http://www.greenburialma.org/
National FCA
National Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) website http://www.funerals.org/
We are an affiliate of Funeral Consumers Alliance, Inc.
This national FCA site provides access to a vast amount of information, directly or via extensive links, to virtually anything related to end of life issues!
On this national FCA site, you can also join the FCA discussion group where the very latest issues and developments are reported and discussed by FCA members including affiliate and national leaders.
Federal Rules
Funerals: Consumer Rights Under the Funeral Rule - from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) http://www.ftc.gov/funerals/
This is the excellent site that lays out the basics that a consumer most needs to know to begin planning final arrangements, including an introduction to the so called Funeral Rule.
- It includes a Consumer Info. link to a page with good advice for consumers and further links including to the current actual wording of the Funeral Rule.
- It also includes a Business Info. link to a page with links to detailed information telling funeral directors what they must do to comply with the Funeral Rule. This is helpful to consumers in interpreting the actual wording of the Funeral Rule as it applies to what they should expect from a funeral director.
- There is even a button that takes you to a page that permits you to file a complaint.
State Rules - Massachusetts-Specific Information
Consumers Guide to Planning a Funeral
A very brief primer on what the Massachusetts consumer should consider before talking with a funeral director. It includes a brief section on Pre-Paid ("Pre-Need") Funeral Arrangements.
Detailed Regulations re: Pre-Paid ("Pre-Need") Funeral Arrangements
Download an actual Massachusetts Pre-Need Funeral Contract
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Investigations Application for Complaint
Guidelines for the Issuance of Burial Permits and Disposition of Human Remains
- from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
This is a must for anyone in Massachusetts who is considering caring for their own dead. It is also an excellent source of basic information about what must be done in Massachusetts from the time a death occurs through the final disposition of a body or ashes.
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TO READ THE SPECIFIC LAWS THAT APPLY IN MASSACHUSETTS
Other Links
Note: a far more extensive set of links is found on the national Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) website http://www.funerals.org/
NEW ADDITION 1/13/11- recommended by someone who found it very helpful in their own time of need. It contains many links to a variety of useful resources.
"End of Life Resources: Guide to Funeral Planning"
http://www.termlifeinsurance.org/guide-to-funeral-planning/
Massachusetts Commission on End of Life Care
http://www.endoflifecommission.org
Includes many useful links including a list specific to Western Massachusetts
One particularly useful feature is their "after death occurs" checklist.
Good Article on "Planning a Funeral"
http://fcaemass.org/FHs/checkbook.pdf
Excellent general discussion and references (details, including list of funeral homes, are specific to the Greater Boston area for which this article was written). It is in pdf file format. Note: click here if you need to download free Adobe Reader to open pdf files.
Another Good Overview Article (recommended to us by a mortuary science student who found it useful) http://www.usa-people-search.com/content-a-consumers-guide-to-funerals.aspx