I’m learning about new options in death care, and optimistic about changes now underway. I’m eager to help share the news. On Saturday morning May 6, 2023, I attended a Zoom program hosted by the FCA of Greater Rochester on…
Continue readingWe have added an article from FCA about third-party caskets: your rights and what funeral homes are allowed to do, and not allowed to do. We have also updated contact information (on our Burials page under the Options tab) for…
Continue readingOur FCAWM board received the following notice from the national Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) about some changes in their organization. We are a separate nonprofit organization, affiliated with FCA. This message was sent to all their Affiliates. Dear Funeral Consumers…
Continue readingAmong proposed new bills filed in the current session of the Massachusetts legislature are several related to burial options, funeral assistance, and other matters of interest to our consumer advocacy group. We have now set up a committee, chaired by…
Continue readingToday, January 17, 2023, is the final date for submission of comments to the FTC about the proposed updating of the Funeral Rule. As of 5:30pm today, the official government site reported a total of 546 comments. Our document from…
Continue readingNew York has approved natural organic reduction (N.O.R.), also known as human composting. Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation legalizing this option, making New York the sixth state in the nation to allow this method of burial. Washington State approved…
Continue readingGreen Burial Massachusetts (GBM) welcomes a new president, Elizabeth Cardaropoli, and thanks outgoing president Judith Lorei, who has led GBM since its official incorporation in 2016. GBM evolved from a committee within our organization (FCAWM) with participants also from the…
Continue readingSouth Burlington, VT—The nation’s consumer watchdog protecting grieving families has asked the Federal Trade Commission to beef up protections for those arranging funerals. Funeral Consumers Alliance has responded to the FTC’s request for comments on the “Funeral Rule” to request…
Continue readingThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been paying attention to comments from consumers, and is taking steps to strengthen the Funeral Rule. We are delighted that FTC now proposes requiring ONLINE posting of itemized prices. This is a major victory….
Continue readingThe FTC has opened an online portal where you can view the 40 questions they’re asking about revision of the Funeral Rule, and also upload your own comments to the public record: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/11/02/2022-23832/funeral-industry-practices-rule We have 60 days to respond. Thus,…
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