A Public Administration Approach to Funeral Cost Regulation in Michigan

Abstract

This research explores the pricing disparities associated with the funeral industry in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. Evidence suggests that there is poor regulation of costs for services provided by the funeral industry, which leads to inconsistent pricing structures, which is especially noticeable when market competition in rural and densely populated counties is considered. This paper presents an evaluation of the current state and federal regulations. Using a public administration framework grounded in bureaucratic theory, policy implementation theory, and social equity theory, this research results in recommendations to implement new legal regulations that would ensure transparency and ethical practices in the death care industry to better protect consumers seeking end-of-life services in the State of Michigan