National Board Of Examination (NBE) Arts Practice Exam

What is the legal action a funeral practitioner must take to proceed with a cremation?

1. File a complaint with local authorities

2. Obtain a cremation permit

3. Secure a burial transit permit

4. Notify the decedent's relatives

The correct answer is: Obtain a cremation permit

The legal action a funeral practitioner must take to proceed with a cremation is to obtain a cremation permit. This permit is a legal document issued by the relevant authority, typically a local or state health department, that authorizes the cremation of a deceased person's remains. The requirement for a cremation permit is grounded in public health and safety regulations, ensuring that the remains are handled respectfully and in accordance with legal standards. It typically involves verifying the identity of the deceased, confirming that there are no legal impediments such as pending investigations or anatomical gifts, and obtaining necessary consents from authorized relatives or representatives. Other options involve actions that may not necessarily be required specifically for cremation. For instance, filing a complaint with local authorities would not be a standard prerequisite for conducting cremation, and securing a burial transit permit pertains more to the transportation of remains for burial rather than cremation. Notifying the decedent's relatives is often a professional courtesy, but it isn't a legal requirement to initiate the cremation process.