What must be completed before a body can be disposed of?

A burial or transit permit is essential for the legal disposal of a body. This permit serves as an official document authorizing the burial, cremation, or transport of the deceased. Before a body can be disposed of, relevant authorities, such as the local health department or other regulatory bodies, typically need to approve and issue this permit.

The requirement for a burial or transit permit ensures that there is oversight to prevent unlawful disposal and to maintain public health standards. It verifies that all necessary legal protocols have been followed, including the completion of a death certificate and any required medical examinations, but specifically allows for the final disposition process to proceed.

Other options may involve steps in the process leading up to disposal, like obtaining a death certificate or performing an autopsy, but without the burial or transit permit, the body cannot legally be disposed of. The permit is a key requirement that formalizes the permission given to families or funeral homes to carry out final arrangements.