CCS Ethical and Professional Standards 3

Question 1

Before cremation, the operator finds a pacemaker that was not disclosed on the authorization form. What is the proper step?

Accepted Answer

Stop and have the device removed by an authorized person, following policy and notifying the right parties

Answer

Pacemakers can explode in the retort, so they must be properly removed and the discrepancy handled before cremating.

Question 2

A family asks to witness the start of the cremation. Ethically, the crematory should:

Accepted Answer

Accommodate the request where facilities and policy allow, with dignity and safety

Answer

Respectfully accommodating witnessing builds trust, and any fees should be disclosed in advance.

Question 3

Commingling the remains of two decedents without written authorization is:

Accepted Answer

Prohibited, except in narrow cases such as unavoidable residue or written consent

Answer

Cremating more than one body at a time, or mixing remains, generally requires explicit written authorization.

Question 4

A cremationist recovers dental gold from processed remains. The ethical approach is to:

Accepted Answer

Handle it according to the authorization form and disclosed policy, with the family's direction

Answer

Any recovered metals must be handled according to the family's authorization and a written policy that was disclosed to them.

Question 5

Which statement about advertising cremation services is ethically correct?

Accepted Answer

Ads must be truthful and not misleading about prices and services

Answer

Truthful advertising is required by professional codes and by consumer protection law.

CCS - Certified Cremation Specialist Practice Test