What must the funeral director obtain from the next-of-kin for filing a death certificate?

The correct choice is personal data, which is necessary for filing a death certificate. When a funeral director prepares a death certificate, it is crucial to gather personal data about the deceased such as their full name, date of birth, social security number, and place of birth. This information is essential for accurately documenting the individual's identity and ensuring the death certificate is completed in accordance with state regulations.

The need for precise personal data is rooted in the significance of the death certificate as a legal document. It serves not only as proof of death but also as a vital record that may be used for various purposes such as settling estates, applying for death benefits, and managing inheritance issues.

Other categories such as financial information, consent forms, and medical history are not required elements for filing a death certificate. While financial matters may be relevant in other contexts, they do not pertain directly to the essential information needed on a death certificate. Consent forms could be necessary in other situations, but they do not relate to the filing of the death certificate itself. Similarly, although medical history may be documented for other purposes, it is not a requisite part of the information required on a death certificate.