What is strictly prohibited according to the FTC Funeral Rule regarding casket handling fees?

The correct choice is the prohibition of charging for casket handling when caskets are purchased from another vendor. The FTC Funeral Rule is designed to ensure transparency and fairness in funeral service pricing. This specific prohibition aims to protect consumers from unfair practices that could arise if funeral providers charged handling fees for caskets not purchased through their establishments.

By disallowing such charges, the rule encourages consumers to make informed choices regarding where to purchase caskets without incurring additional fees that could unfairly penalize them for seeking options elsewhere. It fosters a competitive market by allowing families the freedom to purchase caskets from independent retailers or other sources without being subjected to extra charges from the funeral home, ensuring they can assess their options based on cost and quality.

The intent of this provision aligns with the broader objectives of the FTC Funeral Rule, which emphasizes transparency in pricing and promotes consumer rights within the funeral industry.