Georgia State Board of Funeral Service Practice Exam

What is required before the interment or cremation of a deceased individual?

1. A tag with specific identification details must be affixed

2. A religious service must be conducted

3. A court must approve the procedure

4. A family meeting must occur

The correct answer is: A tag with specific identification details must be affixed

Before the interment or cremation of a deceased individual, affixing a tag with specific identification details is essential for several reasons. This process ensures accurate identification of the body, which is crucial to prevent any mix-up among deceased individuals, especially in environments where multiple bodies may be present, such as funeral homes or crematories. The identification tag will typically include vital information like the deceased's name, date of birth, and any unique identification numbers. While the other options may have their own significance in different contexts—religious services often provide a sense of closure for the family, court approvals may be needed in certain legal circumstances, and family meetings can help with decisions regarding the deceased's wishes—they are not universally required to proceed specifically with the interment or cremation process. The identification tag is a standard practice to ensure the respectful and accurate handling of remains throughout the entire funeral process.