What role does the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) play in funeral service practices?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays a crucial role in regulating the funeral service industry primarily through the enforcement of the Funeral Rule. This rule is designed to protect consumers by ensuring that they receive clear and accurate information about funeral prices and services. It mandates that funeral homes provide itemized price lists for goods and services, preventing providers from engaging in misleading or deceptive practices. By requiring transparency in pricing, the FTC empowers consumers to make informed decisions during a difficult time, ultimately fostering fair competition within the funeral service market.

The other options suggest roles that the FTC does not have, such as providing financial support to funeral homes, regulating the number of funeral homes within a state, or conducting background checks on providers, which are outside the scope of its regulatory authority.