Funeral Homes Industry Terminology

Aftercare

Ongoing support and services provided to families after the funeral or disposition, such as grief resources, follow-up calls, remembrance events, and customer satisfaction surveys.

-Our aftercare team will check in next week to see how you're doing. -We host a quarterly remembrance service as part of our aftercare. -Please complete this aftercare survey to help us improve.

Alkaline Hydrolysis (Aquamation)

A water-based disposition process using an alkaline solution, heat, and pressure to accelerate decomposition, resulting in bone fragments and a sterile effluent; marketed as an environmentally lower-emission alternative to flame cremation where legal.

-This state now permits alkaline hydrolysis. -Pacemakers must be removed before aquamation. -The family chose aquamation due to its lower carbon footprint.

Alternative Container

A non-metal, rigid, combustible container (often fiberboard or plywood) used for direct cremation or immediate burial; must be offered under the FTC Funeral Rule as an alternative to a casket.

-Direct cremation includes an alternative container. -We stock corrugated alternative containers. -You are not required to purchase a casket for cremation—an alternative container is acceptable.

Arrangement Conference

The meeting between funeral staff and the authorizing agent to gather vital statistics, explain options, review prices, select goods and services, and complete required authorizations.

-We’ll cover the death certificate and service options during the arrangement conference. -Please bring Social Security and military discharge documents to the conference. -We’ll e-sign the cremation authorization at the end of the arrangements.

At-Need

Funeral and disposition services arranged at the time of death, as opposed to preneed arrangements made in advance.

-This is an at-need case. -Our at-need price list is the GPL. -The family had no preneed plan, so we’re arranging at-need.

Average Revenue Per Call (ARPC)

A key performance indicator calculated as total funeral home revenue divided by the number of cases (calls), used to benchmark pricing, product mix, and profitability.

-Our ARPC rose by 4% after revising the GPL. -Cremation mix is lowering ARPC. -We target an ARPC of $6,000 this quarter.

Body Refrigeration

The practice of holding remains in cold storage (typically 34–40°F / 1–4°C) to slow decomposition when embalming is not selected or appropriate; often mandated after a certain time frame.

-State law requires refrigeration after 24 hours. -We logged the decedent into refrigeration at 02:15. -Refrigeration fees apply if there is a delay in authorization.

Burial Vault

A lined, often sealed outer burial container that surrounds the casket in the grave to support the earth and reduce grave settling; commonly required by cemeteries but not by law.

-The cemetery requires a vault or liner. -They selected a stainless-steel-reinforced vault. -Vault setting is included in opening and closing.

Cash Advances

Third-party charges the funeral home pays on the family’s behalf and then bills back at cost, such as obituary notices, death certificates, flowers, clergy honoraria, and cemetery fees; must be itemized on the SGSS.

-Death certificate copies are a cash advance. -We’ll advance the obituary fee to the paper. -Cash advance items are not marked up.

Casket

A container for the body used for viewing and burial, available in wood, metal, or woven materials, with various features (e.g., gasketed lids, interiors) and sizes.

-They chose a 20-gauge steel casket. -Oversize caskets require a matching vault. -We’ll review options in the selection room.

Casket Price List (CPL)

An itemized price list for caskets that must be made available before showing caskets or discussing their prices, as required by the FTC Funeral Rule.

-Provide the CPL before entering the selection room. -The CPL includes descriptions and prices. -We updated the CPL to reflect new models.

Celebration of Life

A personalized memorial event focused on storytelling and honoring the decedent’s life, often less formal than a traditional funeral and frequently scheduled after cremation.

-They prefer a casual celebration of life at the park. -We’ll build a tribute video for the celebration. -Dress code is bright colors per the celebration theme.

Chain of Custody

Documented, auditable tracking of remains and cremated remains from transfer through final disposition, using identification tags, forms, and logs to prevent errors.

-Scan the ID band to update chain of custody. -Our cremation log maintains custody at every step. -Witness cremation requires strict custody procedures.

Chapel Service

A funeral or memorial service conducted in the funeral home’s chapel, including staff, facilities, audio-visual equipment, and sometimes webcasting.

-The chapel seats 150 for the service. -Chapel rental is included in the service package. -We can livestream the chapel service for distant relatives.

Committal Service

A brief service at the graveside or mausoleum where remains are committed to their place of rest, often with prayers or military honors.

-Committal will follow at the cemetery. -Honor guard will render taps at the committal. -The family requested a private committal.

Cremains (Cremated Remains)

Industry term for the processed bone fragments remaining after cremation; many professionals prefer the phrase "cremated remains" in consumer communications.

-Please sign for receipt of the cremated remains. -Cremains will be placed in the selected urn. -We offer shipping of cremated remains via USPS Priority Mail Express.

Cremation Authorization

A legal consent form signed by the person with the right of disposition granting permission to cremate; typically covers identification, pacemaker removal, jewelry handling, and witness requests.

-We cannot proceed without a signed cremation authorization. -The ME must sign before we cremate. -Authorization includes disposition of unclaimed cremated remains.

Cremation Container

A rigid, combustible, leak-resistant container used to hold the body during cremation; can be an alternative container or a cremation casket.

-Direct cremation uses a corrugated cremation container. -Plastic is not permitted inside the retort. -The family purchased a simple wood cremation casket.

Cremation Rate

The percentage of cases in a market or firm resulting in cremation, tracked over time to inform merchandising, staffing, and facility planning.

-Our cremation rate reached 64% this year. -Rising cremation rate impacts casket inventory. -We’re expanding the crematory due to the regional cremation trend.

Crematory Retort

The industrial cremation chamber where the cremation occurs; requires trained operators, maintenance of refractory materials, and adherence to safety and emissions standards.

-Only certified staff may operate the retort. -Schedule refractory repairs during downtime. -Record retort temperatures in the log.

Death Certificate

The official vital record of death, completed by the funeral home and certifier (physician or ME/C), filed with the vital records office; used to obtain permits and for legal/financial affairs.

-How many certified copies do you need? -We’ll file the death certificate via EDRS. -Insurance requires an original certified copy.

Direct Cremation

Disposition by cremation without viewing, embalming, or ceremony; typically includes basic services, transfer, refrigeration if needed, and necessary authorizations, with container and urn options presented.

-Their choice is direct cremation with no services. -Direct cremation pricing is on the GPL. -ID view may be available with direct cremation.

Disposition Permit (Burial/Transit Permit)

A permit issued by the local vital records office after the death certificate is registered, authorizing burial, cremation, or transport of remains.

-We cannot cremate without the disposition permit. -Airlines require the transit permit for ship-outs. -The cemetery will ask for the burial permit at check-in.

Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS)

A state-managed online system for filing, certifying, and registering death certificates electronically, improving timeliness, accuracy, and tracking.

-The doctor will certify via EDRS today. -EDRS flagged a missing Social Security number. -We monitor EDRS status to schedule services.

Embalming

A temporary preservation, sanitation, and restoration process using arterial injection and cavity treatment; not required by law in most cases, though policies or circumstances (delayed services, public viewing) may necessitate it.

-Embalming allows an open-casket visitation. -State law does not mandate embalming for cremation. -We obtained verbal permission to embalm pending signatures.

First Call

The initial notification to the funeral home that a death has occurred, prompting information gathering and dispatch of removal staff.

-We received first call from the hospital at 03:12. -Confirm the location and access for removal on first call. -Offer immediate next-step guidance during first call.

FTC Funeral Rule

A U.S. federal regulation requiring itemized price disclosures (GPL, CPL, OBCPL), allowing consumers to choose only desired goods/services, and prohibiting misrepresentations and tying arrangements.

-Present the GPL at the start of the price discussion. -Alternative containers must be offered per the Rule. -Do not state embalming is required by law when it is not.

Funeral Coach (Hearse)

A specialized vehicle used to transport the casketed remains, typically billed as part of vehicles and equipment on the GPL.

-Add one coach to the SGSS for the procession. -The coach departs at 10:45 for the committal. -We’ll coordinate livery with the cemetery arrival time.

Funeral Director in Charge (FDIC)

The licensed professional designated by a funeral establishment to ensure compliance with laws and standards, supervise staff, and oversee case files.

-The FDIC must sign off on the OSHA training records. -Our FDIC conducts quarterly GPL audits. -Route cremation questions to the FDIC.

General Price List (GPL)

The itemized price list that must be provided at the beginning of any in-person price discussion or upon request, including required disclosures and options like direct cremation and immediate burial.

-Email the GPL to the family before the Zoom arrangements. -The GPL disclaimer language must be verbatim. -We updated the GPL effective January 1.

Grave Liner

An unsealed outer burial container, usually concrete, used to support the grave and reduce settling; a lower-cost alternative to a sealed vault.

-The cemetery accepts a liner instead of a vault. -They chose a concrete liner to manage cost. -Liner installation is part of opening and closing.

Green Burial

Burial that minimizes environmental impact by avoiding embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and vaults (where permitted), using biodegradable containers or shrouds, and often occurring in a certified green cemetery section.

-The family selected a shroud for green burial. -The cemetery’s green section prohibits vaults. -We’re listed with the Green Burial Council.

HIPAA Authorization

A written permission allowing release of protected health information (PHI) to the funeral home beyond disclosures permitted under HIPAA for death care; sometimes requested by hospitals to discuss medical details.

-The hospital asked for a HIPAA authorization to share records. -HIPAA permits certain disclosures to funeral directors without authorization. -We will not include medical details in the obituary without consent.

ID View (Positive Identification)

A procedure for the next of kin or authorizing agent to visually confirm the decedent’s identity before cremation or disposition, conducted in person or via approved remote methods.

-Schedule a brief ID view before authorizing cremation. -Photo ID may be used if in-person viewing is not possible. -Document the identifier’s name and relationship.

Immediate Burial

Burial that occurs without embalming, formal viewing, or ceremony; typically includes basic services, transfer, and transportation to the cemetery, with casket and cemetery charges additional.

-Immediate burial is listed on the GPL. -They chose immediate burial with a simple casket. -Cemetery scheduling will determine the timing.

Insurance Assignment

A payment arrangement in which a beneficiary assigns life insurance proceeds to the funeral home or funding company to cover charges; requires verification, may entail fees, and can delay settlement.

-We’ll verify the policy for assignment. -The assignment company deducts a processing fee. -Contestability could delay payment.

Mausoleum

An above-ground structure for entombment of caskets (crypts) and urns (niches), with specific rules for sealing, flower policies, and inscriptions.

-The mausoleum requires a sealed casket. -Entombment fees differ from ground burial. -Nameplates are ordered through the cemetery.

Medical Examiner/Coroner (ME/C) Release

Authorization from the jurisdictional ME or coroner to release remains and, when required, to cremate, after investigative needs are met.

-Cremation is pending ME release. -The coroner will remove the hold this afternoon. -We cannot embalm until the ME approves.

Memorial Service

A service held without the body present, often after cremation, focusing on remembrance, eulogies, and multimedia tributes.

-The family scheduled a memorial service next month. -The urn will be present at the memorial. -We’ll create an online guestbook for the memorial.

Merchandise vs Services

A business distinction between physical goods sold (caskets, urns, vaults) and professional services (staff, preparation, facilities), affecting pricing, taxation, cost of goods sold, and gross margin.

-COGS apply to merchandise, not services. -We analyze margins by merchandise vs services. -Sales reports separate merchandise revenue.

Natural Organic Reduction (NOR)

A legal method in some jurisdictions that transforms human remains into soil through controlled composting in a vessel over several weeks.

-NOR is now legal in this state. -The family designated a location for the returned soil. -Authorization forms for NOR differ from cremation.

NFDA (National Funeral Directors Association)

The largest U.S. trade association for funeral professionals, offering advocacy, education, benchmarking data, and an annual convention.

-We’ll attend NFDA for CE credits. -NFDA’s cremation report informs our strategy. -Post the NFDA resources in the prep room.

Next of Kin (NOK)

The legally recognized family member(s) or hierarchy with the right to control disposition; varies by state and resolves authority when multiple relatives exist.

-Identify the NOK per state statute. -Siblings share equal NOK status. -Document NOK consent when parents disagree.

Niche (Columbarium Niche)

A compartment within a columbarium designed to hold one or more urns, often sold with inscription and opening/closing fees.

-They purchased a double niche for both urns. -The niche requires specific urn dimensions. -Engraving is scheduled after inurnment.

Obituary

A published notice of death, often including biographical details and service information; may be paid (classified) or editorial; increasingly posted on the funeral home website with a digital guestbook.

-We submitted the paid obituary to the local paper. -Add the livestream link to the online obituary. -Proofread the obituary before publication.

Opening and Closing (O&C)

Cemetery services and fees for opening a grave or crypt and closing or sealing it after interment, scheduled in coordination with the funeral home.

-O&C is billed as a cash advance. -The cemetery needs 48 hours’ notice for opening. -Saturday O&C incurs an overtime fee.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

A federal workplace safety regulation requiring an exposure control plan, PPE, training, vaccination offers, and recordkeeping to protect employees from bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials.

-Fit-test PPE as part of OSHA compliance. -Sharps disposal follows the exposure plan. -Annual BBP training is due next month.

Outer Burial Container Price List (OBCPL)

An FTC-required price list for outer burial containers (vaults and liners) that must be provided when discussing OBCs, including specific disclosure language.

-Offer the OBCPL before discussing vault prices. -Revise the OBCPL to reflect new liner models. -The OBCPL disclosure must be verbatim.

Restorative Art

Postmortem reconstructive techniques used to restore natural form and color, especially after trauma, edema, or long illness, employing waxes, sutures, and cosmetics.

-Restorative art will allow a private viewing. -Use a basket weave suture for the laceration. -Color-correct for jaundice during cosmetizing.

Statement of Goods and Services Selected (SGSS)

The itemized contract summarizing all selected goods, services, and cash advances, with required disclosures; signed by the authorizing agent and provided to the purchaser.

-Review the SGSS before obtaining signatures. -Cash advances must be identified on the SGSS. -Email a copy of the signed SGSS to the family.