Georgia State Board of Funeral Service Practice Exam

Under which circumstance can embalming without permission occur?

1. When the family has expressed doubts

2. When state law requires it

3. When embalming is cheaper

4. When the body is not claimed

The correct answer is: When state law requires it

The correct answer is based on the legal framework governing funeral practices. Embalming without permission can occur when state law mandates it under specific circumstances, such as in cases where a body is unclaimed, public health concerns arise, or other statutory requirements come into play. This legal requirement is to ensure proper handling and preservation of the body for public health and safety reasons. While families may express doubts about the necessity of embalming, those doubts do not constitute a legal basis for proceeding without consent since permission is usually required. Cost considerations, while important for families, do not override legal mandates. Lastly, although unclaimed bodies may be buried or cremated in compliance with local laws, they often still fall under specific regulations regarding embalming when public health is a concern. Thus, state law serves as the primary condition where embalming can be performed without explicit permission from the family.