Georgia State Board of Funeral Service Practice Exam

Who is recognized as the authorizing agent in the context of cremation?

1. A funeral director

2. A legally entitled person

3. A healthcare agent

4. An insurance agent

The correct answer is: A legally entitled person

In the context of cremation, the authorizing agent is typically recognized as a legally entitled person. This individual has the legal right to make decisions regarding the disposition of a deceased person's remains. This designation often includes family members, such as a spouse or adult children, or it could be someone designated in a legal document, like a will or power of attorney. The reason this choice is correct is that the authorizing agent must hold the appropriate legal authority to provide informed consent for the cremation process, ensuring that all regulatory and ethical guidelines are followed. The authority granted to this person is crucial in upholding the wishes of the deceased and the legal framework governing cremation services. Other roles, such as a funeral director or a healthcare agent, may play supportive roles in the process but do not carry the legal authority to authorize cremation unless they are also designated as the authorizing agent. An insurance agent, on the other hand, is generally involved in financial matters and does not hold authority over the disposition of remains.