Can you charge for custodial care for a time period when a charge was incurred for embalming, other preparation, visitation of funeral services?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only with customer consent
• D. Only for certain items

Answer: (B)

Duplicative charges aren’t allowed: you cannot bill custodial care for the period during which embalming, other preparation, or visitation is performed. The care of the decedent during those services is already covered by the charges for embalming or preparation (and the viewing arrangements), so charging an additional custodial care fee for that same timeframe would amount to double-billing. This rule applies regardless of any customer consent or whether the period involves certain items, so the custodial care fee cannot be applied during those times.