In the United States, funeral homes are known to keep bodies in a designated area referred to as a mortuary or morgue. These areas are designed and equipped with the appropriate refrigeration units to preserve the bodies before the funeral or cremation arrangements are finalized.
In times past, mortuaries tended to be attached to the shop front of the funeral home; however, in these modern ages, you will find that they are always in a completely different location.
Almost all funeral homes now have a shop front that is located in a place that’s easier for the local community to visit, but mortuaries are in locations where they don’t have to deal with this kind of exposure.
Strict Regulations and Ethical Standards Funeral Homes Must Follow
Funeral homes tend to play a very important role in our society especially when it comes to providing compassionate and respectful care for dead individuals and their grieving families.
In the United States, these businesses are always expected to conform to very strict regulations and ethical standards to guarantee the appropriate handling and storage of bodies.
To ensure you understand what is expected of these businesses or how they operate, below are strict regulations and ethical standards they must follow in the United States;
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Regulatory Oversight
One of the first things you have to note about the funeral industry is that they are mainly regulated at the state level, and this means that every state will have its own set of laws and licensing requirements.
In addition to the varying state regulations, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also works to ensure consumer protection, and they achieve this via the Funeral Rule, which enforces transparency in funeral pricing and services.
Keep in mind that state regulations will most often stipulate things regarding licensing, embalming, and transportation, as well as how the facilities will be maintained, and all of these regulations will have to be followed in the letter.
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Licensing and Certification
Funeral directors and embalmers are expected to obtain the right licensing to ensure they have the knowledge and capacity to properly operate the business.
You will find that a good number of States have a licensing board that outlines educational and training requirements, and this works to guarantee that professionals possess the requisite skills and knowledge to deal with the various aspects of funeral service.
This will more or less mean having the right to know about death certificates, permits, as well as the transportation of human remains.
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Embalming and Body Preservation
Over the years, embalming has grown to become a common practice in the U.S. and is indeed covered by very strict regulations to ensure the safety of the environment as well as the sanctity of the deceased.
This process tends to necessitate the use of chemicals to temporarily preserve a body, and this gives room for extended viewing periods all through the visitations and funeral services.
Funeral homes are expected to comply with these guidelines, especially those that have to do with the proper use and disposal of embalming fluids to limit their environmental impact.
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Facility Standard
In the United States, funeral homes are expected to maintain facilities that align with precise standards for cleanliness, safety, and privacy.
Aside from that, note that the physical condition of the premises, such as viewing rooms, chapels, and morgues, will regularly have to be inspected and evaluated by relevant authorities.
They are also expected to maintain appropriate refrigeration units used in the preservation of bodies before burial or cremation.
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Transportation
In the United States, keep in mind that the transportation of human remains is a very important component of the funeral industry.
Funeral homes will always have to conform with guidelines that have to do with the proper handling, packaging, and transportation of bodies.
This will include staying in line with all necessary health and safety standards to avoid or limit the spread of infectious diseases.
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Ethical Considerations
Aside from the legal regulations that coordinate these businesses, note that funeral homes are bound by a very stringent code of ethics.
Keep in mind that businesses and professionals in the industry are mandated to provide transparent pricing, and make available a wide array of service options, while also doing away with any form of deceptive practices that entail taking advantage of grieving persons or families.
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Dignity and Respect
Funeral directors as well as staff that work in these facilities are expected to be fully knowledgeable on how to handle bodies with care and empathy, while also making sure that families feel supported all through the difficult process of saying goodbye to their loved ones.
Aside from that, note that sympathy and confidentiality are also very essential especially when it comes to protecting the emotional well-being of grieving persons or even families.