Virginia Funeral Director/Embalmer Practice Exam

The documentation that must accompany a body for burial or cremation includes a death certificate and a burial or cremation permit. The death certificate serves as an official record of the individual's death, providing necessary information about the deceased, including the cause of death, which is vital for legal and statistical purposes.

The burial or cremation permit is essential as it grants legal permission for the body to be interred or cremated, ensuring that all local regulations and health requirements are met. Without both pieces of documentation, the funeral home cannot legally proceed with the burial or cremation, as these permits confirm that the death has been officially recorded and that the disposition of the body has been authorized by the appropriate authorities.

While a death certificate is important on its own, it does not replace the need for the burial or cremation permit. Similarly, a burial permit or a notice from the coroner alone would not suffice, as they do not encompass the necessary comprehensive documentation required by law to ensure the legal and proper handling of the deceased's remains.