Can a funeral home embalm without permission?

The Funeral Rule generally requires authorization before embalming unless a law or other limited circumstance permits it. For this funeral planning decision, embalming is not automatically required for every funeral. For this funeral planning decision, requirements depend on the selected arrangements, timing, transportation, facility policies, and state or local law, and consumers should be told when embalming is legally required. Start by getting a written itemization of the provider's charges, then confirm whether a stated requirement is imposed by law, by the cemetery, or only by the provider before you pay for it.