CCS Ethical and Professional Standards 2

Question 1

A family member calls asking the operator to start a cremation before the signed authorization arrives, promising to fax it later. What is the ethical response?

Accepted Answer

Decline until the completed, signed authorization is received

Answer

Cremation is irreversible, so a valid signed authorization must be in hand before it begins.

Question 2

Two adult children with equal legal authority disagree about whether their mother should be cremated. What should the crematory do?

Accepted Answer

Hold off on the cremation until the dispute is resolved or a court orders it

Answer

When people with equal authority dispute the decision, the crematory should wait for agreement or a court order.

Question 3

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, a provider offering direct cremation must also:

Accepted Answer

Offer an alternative container or an unfinished wood box

Answer

The Funeral Rule says providers offering direct cremation must make alternative containers available and cannot require a casket.

Question 4

A crematory employee posts a photo of the cremation room on social media, with a decedent's name tag visible. This mainly violates:

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality and the dignity of the decedent

Answer

Sharing identifying information about a decedent breaks confidentiality and disrespects the deceased and the family.

Question 5

Which practice best shows ethical transparency with families about cremated remains?

Accepted Answer

Explaining that remains are processed and that small amounts of residue may stay in the chamber

Answer

Honestly explaining processing and unavoidable residual material keeps families from being misled.

CCS - Certified Cremation Specialist Practice Test

CCS - Certified Cremation Specialist Practice Test

CCS Ethical and Professional Standards 2