One of the abuses in the industry is the sale of body parts. Such an observer could verify that the complete body is being cremated. The problem is ensuring that the pre-need company puts the required money into a trust fund in a timely manner and removes it only when and for the purposes required by law. I do not believe that this can be ensured if the cremation company itself is in control of the trust monies. Verify on a quarterly basis that properly allocated trust monies have been deposited on the appropriate dates.
Present law requires an annual trust fund statement.
This should be submitted by an independent firm, or bank, or custodian, but not by the funeral director. Send notification of such deposits to the customers. Direct deposits of properly allocated dividends and interest be made by the bank, or investment fund, or brokerage house to the custodian of the trust fund, who shall reinvest or distribute same as indicated. Annual form 1099's be sent to each subscriber reflecting the above. Upon the customer's death, have the trust custodian release te applicable funds to the pre-need company only after receiving a copy of the death certificate and an affidavit of cremation.