What must a funeral home acquire before proceeding with cremation?

In Oklahoma, before a funeral home can proceed with cremation, it is essential to acquire written authorization from the next of kin. This requirement is in place to ensure that the wishes of the deceased and the legal rights of the next of kin are respected and legally acknowledged. The signed authorization serves as a formal document indicating that the next of kin has given their consent for the cremation process to take place. This not only protects the funeral home from potential legal issues but also confirms that all parties involved are informed and agreeable to the decision.

While permissions from other entities, such as the health department, may be necessary for various aspects of handling deceased remains, the explicit requirement for written authorization from the next of kin is a legal and ethical obligation that directly pertains to the cremation process.