Arkansas State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors Service Laws, Rules, and Regulations (LRR) Practice Exam

Which service fee is non-declinable?

1. Embalming fee

2. Basic services fee

3. Urn selection fee

4. Crematory service fee

The correct answer is: Basic services fee

The basic services fee is considered a non-declinable service fee because it covers essential services that are required when a funeral home is engaged to handle a deceased individual's arrangements. This fee usually encompasses administrative tasks, staff services, and other foundational elements necessary to facilitate all other services related to the funeral or memorial process. It is a standard practice in the funeral industry since consumers need to secure basic support when planning a final disposition, making this fee non-negotiable. Other fees, such as those for embalming, urn selection, or crematory services, may be optional or can be declined depending on the family's specific needs and preferences. While these fees are important aspects of the overall service package, they do not carry the same mandatory nature as the basic services fee, which is vital for operational feasibility and compliance with regulatory requirements.