Setting a Higher Standard

In 1965, our association developed its Code of Good Practice as the definitive example of our concern for service in the public interest. Today, in funeral homes worldwide, our members pledge to uphold the high standards of the Code. More information about the Code is available at your local member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. Please use our Funeral Home Finder to locate the member nearest you.

Our Code of Good Practice
Revisions effective July 1, 2009

As funeral directors, our calling imposes upon us special responsibilities to those we serve and to the public at large. An important obligation is to provide information so that everyone can make knowledgeable decisions about funeral and cremation services.

In accepting our responsibilities, and as a condition of our affiliation with Selected Independent Funeral Homes, we affirm the following standards of good practice and hereby pledge:

• To provide the public with information about funeral and cremation services, including prices, functions and the responsibilities of funeral directors
  
  
• To make services available in as wide a range of price categories as necessary to meet the needs of all segments of our community, and to affirmatively extend to everyone the right to inspect and freely consider them all
  
  
• To quote conspicuously in writing the charge for every arrangement offered, and to clearly identify the services, facilities, equipment and merchandise included in such quotations
  
  
• To adhere to the highest standard of conduct in all aspects of business
  
  
• To afford an ongoing opportunity to all persons to discuss or arrange funerals in advance
  
  
• To ensure that pre-need contracts fully disclose those items which are guaranteed and those which are nonguaranteed, in terms that are clear and easy to understand
  
  
• To manage prepaid funds responsibly, ensuring that promises are honored and expectations are met, within the letter and spirit of the law
  
  
• To make no representation, written or oral, which may be false or misleading and to apply a standard of honesty in all dealings
  
  
• To furnish each family, at the time arrangements are made, with a written memorandum of charges and to make no additional charge without their approval
  
  
• To respect all faiths, creeds and customs, and to give full effect to the role of the clergy/celebrant
  
  
• To maintain qualified and competent staff, appropriate facilities and suitable equipment required for comprehensive funeral and cremation services
  
  
• To assure those we serve the right of personal choice in making service arrangements

We pledge to conduct ourselves at all times in a manner deserving of the public trust, and to provide a copy of this Code of Good Practice to the families we serve.