What to do if…
a funeral provider says a body must be moved today due to capacity limits

What to do now

1. Ask for the immediate storage plan in writing.
   Ask the provider to send:

   • the name and full address of the destination,
   • whether the destination is temporary storage or another funeral provider,
   • who will transport the remains,
   • the expected timing,
   • how identity will be tracked during the move,
   • the transfer and storage charges,
   • any service they want you to authorize.

2. Confirm whether the remains have been released.
   Ask: “Have the remains been released to your care, or is a medical examiner or coroner still involved? Who needs to authorize this move under the applicable state or local process?”

3. State the narrow authorization you are giving.
   If you are the person authorized under the applicable process and the written plan is clear, send a message such as:
   “I authorize only the transfer of the remains to [destination] by [transporter] for [temporary storage or transfer to the new provider]. I do not authorize embalming or other services unless I approve them separately.”

4. Ask for itemized prices before agreeing to more services.
   If you are speaking by phone, ask for the prices of the transfer, storage, and any proposed service. Funeral providers covered by the federal Funeral Rule must give accurate price information in response to telephone questions. If you meet in person to discuss funeral goods, services, arrangements, or prices, ask for a General Price List to keep. If arrangements are selected, ask for the itemized Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected.

5. Ask for the specific reason if embalming is proposed.
   Say: “I do not authorize embalming. Is embalming being proposed because of a state or local rule, because of a particular arrangement, or as an option? Please put the reason in writing and tell me what refrigeration or other storage options are available.”
   Federal law does not require embalming. State or local rules and the arrangements selected may affect the available options.

6. Call another funeral provider if the current provider cannot store the remains safely.
   Ask: “Can you accept an urgent transfer today? What are the transfer and storage charges? What do you need from the current provider?”
   Ask the two providers to coordinate the practical release and transfer steps.

7. Escalate if the provider will not give a clear written plan.
   Ask for the manager or owner and send a brief written summary of the unresolved points. For possible Funeral Rule concerns, you can report the issue to the FTC. You can also contact your state attorney general and, if your state has one, the state licensing board that regulates funeral providers.