Survey of State Regulators - Regulation of Sales of Pre-Need Funeral Plans

U.S. Government Accountability Office

Introduction

	Welcome to GAO's Survey of State Regulators - Regulation of Sales of Pre-Need Funeral Plans. At the request of Congress, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is reviewing federal and state regulation of the death care industry. This survey instrument, covering sales of pre-need funeral plans, will help us gather information on how your state (1) regulates the death care industry; (2) enforces its rules, regulations, and laws; and (3) provides consumer protections. Please note that the focus of the survey instrument is on the regulations and consumer protections that are specific to the death care industry and not on public health or environmental regulations. You have received this survey because you have been identified as the proper point of contact within your state for addressing questions related to regulation of sales of pre-need funeral plans. Please note: For purposes of this survey, the term "pre-need funeral plans" refers to the purchase of funeral goods and services to be provided at a later date when death occurs. It does not refer to the purchase of a final expense insurance policy that will pay the costs for funeral goods and services upon death. Because we are collecting comparable information from all 50 states, we encourage you to respond to this survey so that we can have an accurate and complete accounting of the regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms that are in place for addressing the death care industry in all 50 states. To learn more about completing the survey, printing your responses, and whom to contact if you have questions, click here for help. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

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Contact Information

	Name of state: ______ Please enter the following information in the event we need to clarify a response.

	(View responses)

	Name: (View responses)
	Title: (View responses)
	Years with office/agency: (View responses)	years
	Name of office/agency: (View responses)
	E-mail address: (View responses)
	Phone number: (View responses)

State Regulations on Sales of Pre-Need Funeral Plans

1.	Other than rules and regulations that generally apply to all businesses, including insurance companies, does your state have rules and regulations in place that specifically address sales of pre-need funeral plans?

	1.	Yes - Continue with question 2.
	2.	No (Click here to skip to question 24)
	3.	No response (Click here to skip to question 24)
	(View responses)

2.	What type of entity do you represent that regulates sales of pre-need funeral plans in your state?

	1.	A board or commission unaffiliated with a state agency - Continue with question to 2a.
	2.	A board or commission that operates within a state agency - Continue with question to 2a.
	3.	A state agency (Click here to skip to question 3)
	4.	An association (Click here to skip to question 3)
	5.	No entity is specifically assigned to regulate sales of pre-need funeral plans. (Click here to skip to question 3)
	6.	Other - Please specify below, then click on link below to skip to question 3. (Click here to skip to question 3)
	(View responses)

If "other" selected, please briefly describe your entity here.
(View responses)

2a.	How many membership positions are authorized for your board or commission?
	membership positions
	(View responses)

2b.	Currently, how many members are serving on your board or commission?
	members
	(View responses)

2c.	Please indicate the number of authorized board or commission positions that are required to represent each of the following entities. (Enter numbers. If none, enter 0 for that entity. If unknown or no requirements exist, leave space blank.)

	(View responses)

	Funeral homes or funeral directors/embalmers (View responses)	authorized positions
	Cemeteries or cemetery operators (View responses)	authorized positions
	Crematories or crematory operators (View responses)	authorized positions
	State agencies or offices (View responses)	authorized positions
	Board or commission employees (View responses)	authorized positions
	Consumers or the general public (View responses)	authorized positions
	Other - Please name the entities represented by the other board or commission members and how many board or commission members represent each entity. (View responses)

3.	Are all sales of pre-need funeral plans within your state subject to regulation by your state?

	1.	Yes - Go to question 4.
	2.	No - Please answer question 3a.
	3.	No response - Go to question 4.
	(View responses)

3a.	What types of pre-need funeral plans are exempt from regulation?

	(View responses)

4.	Regarding your state's rules or regulations that address the sales of pre-need funeral plans, which of the following are covered? (Check all that apply.)

	1.	Pre-need funeral plan sales made at funeral homes
	2.	Pre-need funeral plan sales made at cemeteries
	3.	Pre-need funeral plan sales made by third party sellers
	4.	Other - Please describe below.
	(View responses)

If "other" selected, please briefly describe the pre-need plans that are covered here.
(View responses)

5.	Do any other entities in your state regulate sales of pre-need funeral plans?

	1.	Yes - Please answer question 5a.
	2.	No (Click here to skip to question 6)
	3.	No response (Click here to skip to question 6)
	(View responses)

5a.	Please identify the other entities in your state that regulate sales of pre-need funeral plans.

	(View responses)

State Regulations on Sales of Pre-Need Funeral Plans (Continued)

6.	What registration requirements, if any, does your state have regarding sellers of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons)?

	1.	Companies that offer pre-need funeral plans must be registered, but not their sales persons.
	2.	Both companies that offer pre-need funeral plans and their sales persons must be registered.
	3.	Persons who sell pre-need funeral plans must be registered, but not the companies they represent.
	4.	Neither companies who offer pre-need funeral plans nor their sales persons must be registered.
	5.	No response
	(View responses)

7.	Does your state maintain data on the number of sellers of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons) that operate in your state?

	1.	Yes - Continue with question 8.
	2.	No (Click here to skip to question 10)
	3.	No response (Click here to skip to question 10)
	(View responses)

8.	Approximately how many sellers of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons) currently operate in your state? (Enter numbers. If none, enter 0. If number is unknown, leave space blank.)

	(View responses)

	Number of companies currently operating in your state (View responses)	companies
	Number of sales persons currently operating in your state (View responses)	sales persons

9.	Approximately how many of these sellers of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons) are subject to regulation in your state? (Enter numbers. If none, enter 0. If number is unknown, leave space blank.)

	(View responses)

	Number of companies subject to regulation by your state (View responses)	companies
	Number of sales persons subject to regulation by your state (View responses)	sales persons

10.	Have any legislative or regulatory changes been proposed or enacted in your state since March 2003 that are directed at sales of pre-need funeral plans?

	1.	Yes, and some or all changes were enacted - Go to question 11.
	2.	Yes, but no changes were enacted (Click here to skip to question 12)
	3.	No (Click here to skip to question 14)
	4.	No response (Click here to skip to question 14)
	(View responses)

11.	What did the legislative or regulatory changes that were enacted involve? (Check all that apply. Also, please briefly describe all legislative or regulatory changes in question 11a and answer question 11b.)

	1.	Clarification of legislation or regulation
	2.	Stricter registration or licensing requirements for sellers of pre-need funeral plans
	3.	Change in the state's regulatory organization
	4.	Enhanced consumer protections
	5.	Other changes
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11a.	If you checked any of the selections in question 11 above, please describe the changes and provide a citation to the applicable legislative or regulatory changes.

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11b.	Of the legislative or regulatory changes directed at sales of pre-need funeral plans that were enacted in your state since March 2003, in your opinion, how much did these changes strengthen your state's regulatory program?

	1.	They significantly strengthened our regulatory program.
	2.	They moderately strengthened our regulatory program.
	3.	They slightly strengthened our regulatory program.
	4.	They had no effect on our regulatory program.
	5.	No response
	(View responses)

12.	What did the legislative or regulatory changes that were proposed but not enacted involve? *(Check all that apply. If all were enacted, check "Not applicable".)*

	1.	Not applicable, all proposed legislative or regulatory changes proposed were enacted
	2.	Clarification of legislation or regulation
	3.	Stricter registration or licensing requirements for sellers of pre-need funeral plans
	4.	Change in the state's regulatory organization
	5.	Enhanced consumer protections
	6.	Other - Please describe below.
	(View responses)

If you answered "Other" above,
please enter your description here.
(View responses)

13.	How did these proposals for legislative or regulatory changes come about? (Check all that apply.)

	1.	Accounts of desecration of human remains
	2.	Accounts of fraud or deceptive practices
	3.	Lobbying efforts of consumer groups
	4.	Lobbying efforts of the death care industry
	5.	Proposals from state regulatory agencies
	6.	Other - Please describe below.
	(View responses)

If you answered "Other" above,
please enter your description here.
(View responses)

Enforcement Mechanisms

14.	Do sellers of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons) have to be licensed to operate within your state?

	1.	Yes, all must be licensed - Go to question 15.
	2.	Some, but not all, must be licensed - Please answer question 14a.
	3.	No, no license is required (Click here to skip to question 17)
	4.	No response (Click here to skip to question 17)
	(View responses)

14a.	What types of sellers of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons) do not have to be licensed to operate within your state?

	(View responses)

15.	What are the requirements for becoming a licensed seller of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons) in your state? (Check all that apply.)

	1.	Sales persons must pass a state examination
	2.	Sales persons must be associated with a licensed funeral home or cemetery
	3.	Sales persons must be licensed funeral directors/morticians
	4.	Sales persons must pass a criminal background check
	5.	Company must provide evidence that it is financially sound
	6.	Other - Please describe below.
	7.	There are no specific requirements
	(View responses)

If you answered "Other" above,
please enter your description here.
(View responses)

16.	How often do licenses have to be renewed for sellers of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons) ?

	1.	More than once a year
	2.	At least once a year
	3.	Every 2 years
	4.	Between every 2 to 5 years
	5.	Greater than every 5 years
	6.	Licenses do not need to be renewed
	7.	Varies - Please describe below.
	8.	No response
	(View responses)

If the renewal period varies,
please explain here.
(View responses)

17.	Does your state track violations of state rules or regulations involving sales of pre-need funeral plans?

	1.	Yes - Continue with question 18.
	2.	No (Click here to skip to question 20)
	3.	No response (Click here to skip to question 20)
	(View responses)

18.	Approximately how many violations of state rules or regulations involving sales of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons) has there been since January 1, 2008? (Enter numbers. If none, enter 0. If number is unknown, leave space blank.)
	violations
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	If your response to question 18 is 0, check box below and click link to skip to question 20.

			My response to question 18 is 0 (Click here to skip to question 20)
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18a.	If you are able to provide separate numbers of violations specifically for companies versus sales persons since January 1, 2008, please enter these numbers below. (Enter numbers. If none, enter 0. If number is unknown, leave space blank.)

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	If available, number of violations specifically involving companies since January 1, 2008 (View responses)	violations
	If available, number of violations specifically involving sales persons since January 1, 2008 (View responses)	violations

19.	Please list up to three of the most prevalent types of violations since January 1, 2008 involving sales of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons).

	(View responses)

	1. (View responses)
	2. (View responses)
	3. (View responses)

Enforcement Mechanisms (Continued)

20.	Since January 1, 2008, has your state taken any actions against sellers of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons) for violations of state rules or regulations?

	1.	Yes - Continue with question 21.
	2.	No (Click here to skip to question 22)
	3.	No response (Click here to skip to question 22)
	(View responses)

21.	Please indicate the type of action(s) -- and associated number of actions -- your state has taken since January 1, 2008, against sellers of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons) for violations of state rules or regulations.

	(View responses)

	a. Notice of non-compliance (a caution or warning that a problem exists)

			Yes, we took this action
			No, we did not take this action
			Not sure if we took this action
	(View responses)

	If yes, please enter the number of such actions taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number. If unknown, leave space blank.)
	actions were taken
	(View responses)

	b. Letter of reprimand (notification that a violation has occurred and an action may be taken)

			Yes, we took this action
			No, we did not take this action
			Not sure if we took this action
	(View responses)

	If yes, please enter the number of such actions taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number. If unknown, leave space blank.)
	actions were taken
	(View responses)

	c. Assessment of investigative costs

			Yes, we took this action
			No, we did not take this action
			Not sure if we took this action
	(View responses)

	If yes, please enter the number of such actions taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number. If unknown, leave space blank.)
	actions were taken
	(View responses)

	d. Monetary fine

			Yes, we took this action
			No, we did not take this action
			Not sure if we took this action
	(View responses)

	If yes, please enter the number of such actions taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number. If unknown, leave space blank.)
	actions were taken
	(View responses)

	e. Probation

			Yes, we took this action
			No, we did not take this action
			Not sure if we took this action
	(View responses)

	If yes, please enter the number of such actions taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number. If unknown, leave space blank.)
	actions were taken
	(View responses)

	f. Voluntary relinquishment of license, certificate, or registration

			Yes, we took this action
			No, we did not take this action
			Not sure if we took this action
	(View responses)

	If yes, please enter the number of such actions taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number. If unknown, leave space blank.)
	actions were taken
	(View responses)

	g. Suspension of license

			Yes, we took this action
			No, we did not take this action
			Not sure if we took this action
	(View responses)

	If yes, please enter the number of such actions taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number. If unknown, leave space blank.)
	actions were taken
	(View responses)

	h. Revocation of license

			Yes, we took this action
			No, we did not take this action
			Not sure if we took this action
	(View responses)

	If yes, please enter the number of such actions taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number. If unknown, leave space blank.)
	actions were taken
	(View responses)

	i. Civil or criminal prosecution (either prosecution taken by your entity or transferred to another entity for prosecution)

			Yes, we took this action
			No, we did not take this action
			Not sure if we took this action
	(View responses)

	If yes, please enter the number of such actions taken since January 1, 2008. (Enter number. If unknown, leave space blank.)
	actions were taken
	(View responses)

	j. Other actions Please describe any other types of actions taken and indicate number of each type of action taken since January 1, 2008

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	Description and number of actions:

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Enforcement Mechanisms (Continued)

22.	How much of a challenge do the following pose in enforcing your state's rules or regulations involving sellers of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons)? (Select one answer in each row.)

	(View responses)

		Major challenge	Moderate challenge	Minor challenge	Not a challenge	No response
a.	Lack of regulations for enforcing state laws (View responses)
b.	Regulations are unclear or vague (View responses)
c.	Insufficient funds and/or staff to enforce regulations (View responses)
d.	Insufficient enforcement structure in place (View responses)
e.	Implementing new laws or regulations that recently passed (View responses)
f.	Other - Please explain below. (View responses)

If you answered "Other" above, please explain here.
(View responses)

23.	What is your state's biggest challenge in enforcing your state's rules or regulations involving sellers of pre-need funeral plans (to include companies and their sales persons)?

	1.	Lack of regulations for enforcing state laws
	2.	Regulations are unclear or vague
	3.	Insufficient funds and/or staff to enforce regulations
	4.	Insufficient enforcement structure in place
	5.	Implementing new laws or regulations that recently passed
	6.	Other - Please explain below.
	7.	No challenges in enforcing rules or regulations
	8.	No response
	(View responses)

If you answered "Other" above, please explain here.
(View responses)

Consumer Protections

24.	Does your state have, or has your state ever had, a fund that would protect consumers of pre-need funeral plans who suffered financial loses due to issues such as fraud, default, or insolvency?

	1.	Yes, and such a fund still exists - Continue with question 25.
	2.	Yes, but such a fund no longer exists - Continue with question 25.
	3.	No, we have never had such a fund that I am aware of (Click here to skip to question 29)
	4.	No response (Click here to skip to question 29)
	(View responses)

25.	Which of the following best describes the funding of your state's fund to protect consumers of pre-need funeral plans?

	1.	It is state-funded - Continue with question 25a.
	2.	It is fee based - Go to question 26.
	3.	It is state-funded and fee based - Continue with question 25a.
	4.	Other - Go to question 26.
	5.	No response (Click here to skip to question 29)
	(View responses)

25a.	In the most recent year that your state's fund to protect consumers of pre-need funeral plans was authorized, how much funding was authorized? (Enter dollar amount. If unknown, leave space blank.)
	$
	(View responses)

26.	Approximately what was the minimum and maximum amount of funding that was available for your state's fund at any point in time since 2003? (Enter dollar amounts. If unknown, leave space blank.)

	(View responses)

	Minimum amount of funding available (View responses)	$
	Maximum amount of funding available (View responses)	$

27.	What is the maximum percentage or maximum dollar amount of a consumer's financial loss that is eligible to covered by this fund, assuming the funds are available? (Enter percent or dollar amount. If unknown, leave space blank.)

	(View responses)

	Maximum percentage of loss covered
	percent
	(View responses)

	or

	(View responses)

	Maximum dollar amount of loss covered
	$
	(View responses)

28.	On average, how much of this fund has been utilized by consumers each year?

	1.	More than all (i.e., demand exceeded resources)
	2.	All or almost all
	3.	Most
	4.	About half
	5.	Some
	6.	None or almost none
	7.	This varies significantly, depending on the year
	8.	No response
	(View responses)

29.	Does your state require a percentage of pre-need sales revenues to be placed in trust?

	1.	Yes - Continue with question 30.
	2.	No (Click here to skip to question 32)
	3.	Not applicable, trusts are not permitted in this state (Click here to skip to question 32)
	4.	No response (Click here to skip to question 32)
	(View responses)

30.	Approximately what percentage of pre-need sales revenues are required by your state to be trusted for each of the following? (Enter percents. If percent is unknown, leave space blank.)

	(View responses)

	Percentage of pre-need sales revenues to be trusted for funeral goods: (View responses)	percent
	Percentage of pre-need sales revenues to be trusted for funeral services: (View responses)	percent
	Percentage of pre-need sales revenues to be trusted for cemetery goods: (View responses)	percent
	Percentage of pre-need sales revenues to be trusted for cemetery services: (View responses)	percent
	Percentage of pre-need sales revenues to be trusted for third party sellers of goods: (View responses)	percent

31.	If you could not answer all or parts of question 30 because your state has a different way of calculating the level of pre-need sales revenues that must be trusted, please explain in as much detail as possible how your state deals with this issue.

	(View responses)

Consumer Protections (Continued)

32.	Which of the following describes your state's requirements on withdrawal of funds from a pre-need trust fund after the initial deposit is made? (Check all that apply.)

	1.	No funds may ever be withdrawn by the trustee once the initial deposit is made.
	2.	Administrative fees may be withdrawn by the trustee.
	3.	Any funds over 100 percent of the purchase price may be withdrawn by the trustee.
	4.	A specified percentage of the interest may be withdrawn by the trustee.
	5.	A specified percentage or amount of trust funds dollars may be withdrawn by the trustee.
	6.	There are no specific requirements regarding this issue.
	7.	No response
	(View responses)

	Note: If you checked box #5 in question 32 above - Answer question 33. If you did NOT check box #5, go directly to question 34.

	(View responses)

33.	(If a specified percentage or amount of trust fund dollars may be withdrawn by the trustee) What is the maximum percentage or amount of trust fund dollars that a trustee may withdraw after the initial deposit for each of the following time frames? (Enter percents or dollar amounts. If unknown, leave space blank.)

	(View responses)



	(View responses)

	Maximum percentage

	(View responses)



	(View responses)

	Maximum amount

	(View responses)

	Check box if no maximum

	(View responses)

	a. Each year

	(View responses)


	%
	(View responses)

	or

	(View responses)


	$
	(View responses)



			No maximum
	(View responses)

	b. Over the life of the trust

	(View responses)


	%
	(View responses)

	or

	(View responses)


	$
	(View responses)



			No maximum
	(View responses)

34.	If purchasers of pre-need funeral plans within your state cancel their pre-need contracts, what refunds, if any, are they entitled to from their investment?

	1.	They are not entitled to receive any refund
	2.	They are entitled to receive only the principal they invested
	3.	They are entitled to receive the principal they invested, plus any interest that has accrued
	4.	They are entitled to receive the principal they invested, less any administrative and/or revocation fees
	5.	They are entitled to receive the principal they invested, plus any interest that has accrued, and less any administrative and/or revocation fees
	6.	This depends on the individual contract
	7.	Other - Please describe below.
	8.	No response
	(View responses)

If you answered "Other" above,
please describe here.
(View responses)

35.	Which of the following best describes your state's requirements regarding consumers' transfers of pre-need contracts to another state?

	1.	Consumers are not permitted to transfer their contracts to another state.
	2.	Consumers are permitted to transfer their contract to another state, and no penalties will apply.
	3.	Consumers can transfer the contract, but penalties may apply.
	4.	There are no specific requirements in this state.
	5.	No response
	(View responses)

36.	In your state, are the following types of pre-need contracts currently required, permitted but not required, or prohibited? (Select one answer in each row.)

	(View responses)

		Required	Permitted but not required	Prohibited	No response
a.	Irrevocable contracts (View responses)
b.	Revocable contracts (View responses)
c.	Price guaranteed contracts (View responses)
d.	Non-price guaranteed contracts (View responses)

37.	Does your state track the amount of funds invested in pre-need funeral plans?

	1.	Yes - Please answer question 37a.
	2.	No (Click here to skip to question 38)
	3.	No response (Click here to skip to question 38)
	(View responses)

37a.	In calendar or fiscal year 2010, what was the amount of funds invested in pre-need funeral plans in your state? (Enter dollar amount. If unknown, leave space blank.)
	$
	(View responses)

Consumer Protections (Continued)

38.	Does your state maintain data on consumer complaints involving sales of pre-need funeral plans?

	1.	Yes - Continue with question 39.
	2.	No (Click here to skip to question 41)
	3.	No response (Click here to skip to question 41)
	(View responses)

39.	Which agency or agencies within your state maintain data on consumer complaints involving sales of pre-need funeral plans?

	(View responses)

40.	Approximately how many complaints did your state receive over the past three calendar or fiscal years involving sales of pre-need funeral plans? (Enter numbers. If none, enter 0. If number is unknown, leave space blank.) Number of complaints received in:

	(View responses)

	a. calendar or fiscal year 2008: (View responses)	complaints
	b. calendar or fiscal year 2009: (View responses)	complaints
	c. calendar or fiscal year 2010: (View responses)	complaints

41.	What consumer protections, if any, does your state have in place concerning sales of pre-need funeral plans? (Check all that apply.)

	1.	Require that all funeral-related businesses provide general price lists
	2.	Provide one or more state-sponsored complaint hot lines
	3.	Provide on-line information to consumers through a state sponsored web page
	4.	Conduct educational outreach programs to seniors and/or other consumers
	5.	Provide information on licensed facilities in good standing with the state
	6.	Hold public hearings to address consumer concerns or complaints
	7.	Conduct investigations of legitimate consumer complaints
	8.	Require pre-need contracts to be registered with the state or a board or commission
	9.	Other - Please specify below.
	10.	No consumer protections other than licensing, certification, or inspection - Go to question 43.
	(View responses)

If you answered "Other" above, please explain here.
(View responses)

42.	Of the consumer protections your state has in place concerning sales of pre-need funeral plans, which one do you consider to be the most effective in protecting consumers?

	1.	Require that all funeral-related businesses provide general price lists
	2.	Provide one or more state-sponsored complaint hot lines
	3.	Provide on-line information to consumers through a state sponsored web page
	4.	Conduct educational outreach programs to seniors and/or other consumers
	5.	Provide information on licensed facilities in good standing with the state
	6.	Hold public hearings to address consumer concerns or complaints
	7.	Conduct investigations of legitimate consumer complaints
	8.	Require pre-need contracts to be registered with the state or a board or commission
	9.	Other - Please specify below.
	(View responses)

If you answered "Other" above, please explain here.
(View responses)

43.	Above and beyond the consumer protections your state already has in place concerning sales of pre-need funeral plans, what additional consumer protections, if any, do you believe would further enhance the protection of consumers?

	(View responses)

General Questions on the Death Care Industry

	The remainder of the questions will focus on the death care industry, in general, and not just sales of pre-need funeral plans.

	(View responses)

44.	From the perspective of your office, is there a need for the federal government to take a more active role in regulating the death care industry?

	1.	Yes - Continue with question 44a.
	2.	No - Go to question 44b.
	3.	No opinion (Click here to skip to question 45)
	(View responses)

44a.	If you responded "Yes" in question 44, why is there is a need for the federal government to take a more active role? (Check all that apply.)

	1.	States do not have the authority to regulate the industry effectively.
	2.	States do not have the resources to regulate the industry effectively.
	3.	Minimum federal standards would help to provide uniformity across states.
	4.	Minimum federal standards may help prevent future incidents or scandals from occurring in the industry.
	5.	Other - Please explain below.
	(View responses)

If you answered "Other"
above, please explain here.
(View responses)

	Note: If you were directed to answer question 44a - Skip to question 45.

	(View responses)

44b.	If you responded "No" in question 44, why is there not a need for the federal government to take a more active role. *(Check all that apply.)*

	1.	Current federal rules and regulations are sufficient.
	2.	Current state rules and regulations are sufficient.
	3.	The state is a better entity to regulate the industry.
	4.	The federal government would not have a large enough local presence.
	5.	There have not been many issues and/or complaints about the industry.
	6.	Federal standards would not help to prevent future incidents or scandals from occurring in the industry.
	7.	Other - Please explain below.
	(View responses)

If you answered "Other"
above, please explain here.
(View responses)

45.	From the perspective of your office, is there a need for your state government to take a more active role in regulating the death care industry?

	1.	Yes - Please explain your reason(s) in question 45a.
	2.	No - Please explain your reason(s) in question 45a.
	3.	No opinion - Go to question 46.
	(View responses)

45a.	If you responded "Yes" or "No" above, please explain your reason(s) below.

	(View responses)

46.	Does your entity regulate any of the following segments of the death care industry? (Select one answer in each row.)

	(View responses)

		Yes	No	No response
a.	Funeral homes (View responses)
b.	Cemeteries (View responses)
c.	Crematories (View responses)
d.	Third party sellers of funeral goods (View responses)

Completing Your GAO Survey on Regulation of Sales of Pre-Need Funeral Plans

47.	Have you completed your GAO survey on regulation of sales of pre-need funeral plans? (Answering "Yes" is equivalent to mailing a completed paper survey to us. It tells us that your answers are official and final.)

	1.	Yes, my survey is complete - To submit your responses to GAO, please click on "Exit" below.
	2.	No, my survey is not yet complete - To save your responses for later, please click on "Exit" below.
	(View responses)

	Before exiting this survey, you may view and print your responses by clicking on the "Summary" link in the menu to the left. Clicking on "Exit" below will return you to the main menu screen where you may re-enter this survey, open another death care survey, or exit altogether. Thank you very much for your assistance.

	(View responses)

Questionnaire Programming Language - Version 6.1
U.S. Government Accountability Office

Survey of State Regulators - Regulation of Sales of Pre-Need Funeral Plans

U.S. Government Accountability Office

Introduction

Contact Information

State Regulations on Sales of Pre-Need Funeral Plans

State Regulations on Sales of Pre-Need Funeral Plans (Continued)

Enforcement Mechanisms

Enforcement Mechanisms (Continued)

Enforcement Mechanisms (Continued)

Consumer Protections

Consumer Protections (Continued)

Consumer Protections (Continued)

General Questions on the Death Care Industry

Completing Your GAO Survey on Regulation of Sales of Pre-Need Funeral Plans

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