California Funeral Director License Practice Exam

Can a funeral director charge an additional fee for embalming when dealing with contagious/infectious diseases?

1. Yes, they can charge extra

2. No, they cannot charge additional fees

3. Only if legally required

4. Fees depend on the nature of the disease

The correct answer is: No, they cannot charge additional fees

In the context of funeral services, charging additional fees for embalming due to contagious or infectious diseases involves understanding both ethical considerations and industry regulations. Funeral directors are generally expected to follow a standard practice that prioritizes the respect and dignity of the deceased while providing necessary services. In many jurisdictions, including California, a funeral director cannot impose additional fees solely based on the presence of a contagious or infectious disease. This is rooted in the principles of fairness and non-discrimination. Regardless of the deceased's health status at the time of passing, all individuals are entitled to the same standard of care and consideration, which encompasses embalming services. While embalming may sometimes be necessary for maintaining public health and safety, requiring an additional fee specifically for this service due to an infectious disease could be viewed as exploiting a sensitive situation, which is generally frowned upon in the profession. Thus, the standard practice is to include embalming as part of the overall funeral service costs without imposing additional charges based on the deceased's health conditions.