CT Funeral Planning & Disposition Options 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which disposition method uses water and an alkali solution (potassium hydroxide) to break down body tissue, leaving only bones?
- Cryomation
- Alkaline hydrolysis (Correct answer)
- Promession
- Terramation
Correct answer: Alkaline hydrolysis
Alkaline hydrolysis (also called aquamation or water cremation) dissolves soft tissue using a water-alkali solution at high temperature and pressure, leaving clean bone remains.
Question 2: A pre-need funeral contract that is fully transferable to another funeral home if the family moves is best described as:
- An irrevocable trust
- A portable pre-need agreement (Correct answer)
- A preneed insurance policy
- A guaranteed price contract
Correct answer: A portable pre-need agreement
A portable pre-need agreement allows funds and arrangements to transfer to another licensed funeral provider if the purchaser relocates.
Question 3: What is the primary legal document that authorizes a funeral home to move, prepare, and dispose of a body?
- Death certificate
- Burial permit
- Transit permit
- Authorization for disposition (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Authorization for disposition
The authorization for disposition (signed by the legally authorized person) grants the funeral home permission to carry out all preparation and disposition steps.
Question 4: Under the FTC Funeral Rule, which of the following must a funeral home provide to anyone who inquires in person?
- A general price list (Correct answer)
- An itemized bill of services
- A written estimate
- A casket price list only
Correct answer: A general price list
The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to give any in-person inquirer a General Price List (GPL) at the start of any discussion of arrangements.
Question 5: Human composting (natural organic reduction) converts remains into soil in approximately how long?
- 1–2 days
- 4–6 weeks (Correct answer)
- 6–12 months
- 2–3 years
Correct answer: 4–6 weeks
Natural organic reduction facilities typically complete the transformation of remains into nutrient-rich soil in approximately 4 to 8 weeks.
Question 6: When a body must cross state lines before disposition, what additional document is typically required?
- A coroner's release
- A transit (removal) permit (Correct answer)
- A second death certificate
- An interstate body transport license
Correct answer: A transit (removal) permit
A transit permit (sometimes called a removal permit or disposition permit) issued by the originating state is required to legally transport human remains across state lines.
Question 7: Which green burial certification organization sets standards for natural burial grounds in the United States?
- National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
- Green Burial Council (GBC) (Correct answer)
- Cremation Association of North America (CANA)
- International Cemetery and Funeral Association (ICFA)
Correct answer: Green Burial Council (GBC)
The Green Burial Council (GBC) is the primary certifying body for environmentally responsible burial practices and burial ground standards in the US.
CT Funeral Planning & Disposition Options 2
Which disposition method uses water and an alkali solution (potassium hydroxide) to break down body tissue, leaving only bones?