The concept of a national consumer action panel was conceived by the National Funeral Directors Association in the context of efforts by the Federal Trade Commission staff to assess trade practices of the industry. ThanaCAP's purposes are to promote effective communications between consumers and the funeral professional through education, to assist the funeral industry in developing consumer-oriented programs, and to serve as an objective and fair dispute resolution mechanism. Complaint procedures are explained. The Association considers the program to be successful. Some disputes have been settled, and a few are awaiting arbitration.