BMS Bachelor of Mortuary Science Mortuary Law and Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the FTC Funeral Rule, when must a funeral provider give a consumer a copy of the General Price List (GPL)?

Accepted Answer

Upon beginning any discussion of funeral goods, services, or their prices.

Answer

After the family has selected a casket and outer burial container.

Answer

Only when the consumer explicitly asks for it by its official name.

Answer

During the signing of the final statement of funeral goods and services.

Question 2

A deceased individual has no pre-arranged funeral plan, will, or designated agent. Legally, who has the primary right of disposition to authorize the cremation?

Accepted Answer

The surviving spouse.

Answer

The executor of the estate.

Answer

The eldest adult child.

Answer

Any person willing to assume financial responsibility for the arrangements.

Question 3

A family entrusts a valuable piece of jewelry to the funeral director to be placed on the deceased for the viewing. What is the funeral home's primary legal and ethical responsibility regarding this personal property?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard the property, create an inventory, and return it to the legal next-of-kin after the service.

Answer

To ensure the item is permanently affixed to the deceased before burial or cremation.

Answer

To obtain a written appraisal of the item for insurance purposes.

Answer

To suggest the family hold onto the item to prevent loss.

Question 4

A funeral director is meeting with a family and learns sensitive information about a family dispute regarding the inheritance. Ethically, the funeral director's responsibility regarding this information is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain strict confidentiality and not disclose the information to anyone unless required by law.

Answer

Share the information with other staff members to ensure everyone is aware of the family dynamics.

Answer

Document the dispute in the arrangement file in case of future legal issues.

Answer

Offer to mediate the dispute to help the family come to a resolution.

Question 5

A local hospital contacts a funeral home about a deceased patient who has no known next-of-kin and whose body has not been claimed after several days. Which of the following best describes the legal situation?

Accepted Answer

The body is considered "unclaimed," and specific state and local laws will dictate the required waiting periods and disposition procedures.

Answer

The funeral home can proceed with direct cremation immediately to be efficient.

Answer

The hospital is solely responsible for the final disposition.

Answer

The body is considered legally abandoned, and the funeral home must assume all costs.

Question 6

Which of the following is a key requirement for obtaining legally valid authorization for cremation?

Accepted Answer

A written consent form signed by the individual with the legal right of disposition.

Answer

A verbal agreement from the majority of the deceased's children.

Answer

An order from the deceased's primary care physician.

Answer

A copy of the deceased's last will and testament, even if it doesn't mention disposition.