What constitutes "abuse" under Pennsylvania funeral law?

In Pennsylvania funeral law, "abuse" is defined as the neglect of the standards of care that are expected in the management and conduct of funeral services. This encompasses a wide range of improper practices that would result in harm to the deceased or suffering to the bereaved family. The standards of care relate not only to the ethical treatment of the remains but also include respect for the family's wishes and legal requirements surrounding the disposition of a body. When these standards are neglected, it can lead to scenarios where the dignity of the deceased is compromised, or the family's grief is exacerbated through unprofessional conduct.

This understanding of abuse extends to ensuring that all actions taken during the funeral process are in alignment with both legal frameworks and the expectations of care within the profession. Variations in how this definition might play out include a lack of appropriate services or failure to educate families about their options. Thus, neglecting the standards of care is a broad and serious form of abuse that covers various aspects of funeral service delivery.