Common Funeral Questions

Must a Funeral Director be licensed?

Yes, Pennsylvania Law requires that every funeral establishment have a Funeral Director licensed by the State Board of Funeral Directors of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The license must be posted in the funeral home.

Why is embalming necessary?

Embalming is not required by law, however it may be required for viewing or transportation purposes. It also may be required for mausoleum entombment.

Who does the embalming?

Only a licensed funeral director is permitted under Pennsylvania law.

Must traffic stop for a funeral procession?

Although common courtesy implies that traffic would stop, people often do not stop for funeral processions. Pennsylvania does have a statute requiring vehicles to stop for a funeral procession HOWEVER many drivers are unaware of the law. Caution while driving in a funeral procession must be taken seriously as accidents and injury have occurred. Do NOT assume other vehicles will stop for the funeral procession.

What is a GPL?

A General Price List is a list of charges which a funeral director must provide you with explaining his charges for various individual types of services and merchandise.

Must I buy caskets, vaults and monuments from a funeral director?

No, there are other vendors who supply these items as well as many funeral directors.

What are cash advances?

These are items such as newspaper obituaries and death certificates which the consumer reimburses to the funeral home.

Why does every funeral home seem to be named after a person?

Under Pennsylvania law, every funeral practice must be conducted under the name of a individual, with a few exceptions, licensed within the State of Pennsylvania

Can you purchase funeral arrangements in advance?

Yes, but funeral services can only be purchased in advance from a licensed funeral director. Merchandise may be purchased from a variety of vendors.

If I buy a funeral plan now to be used in the future, how do I know it will be available when I die?

If you buy now (pre-need) the merchandise items to be delivered in the future are provided for by a State of Pa. law requiring the seller to deposit 70% of the sale amount of the item in a trust fund to be used to supply the item when the death occurs. The service items to be delivered in the future are provided for by a State of Pa. law requiring the seller to deposit 100% of the sale amount in a trust fund or have an insurance policy to cover the items sold as such.

Still have questions?

For more information please contact PCCFA using our contact form.

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100 South 21st Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
717-236-9970 Tel   717-238-2799 Fax