New Jersey Mortuary Science Practice Exam

Which of the following entities can authorize multiple burials?

1. A spouse of a deceased person

2. A local community service

3. A welfare agency for the indigent

4. A funeral establishment

The correct answer is: A welfare agency for the indigent

The correct choice indicates that a welfare agency for the indigent can authorize multiple burials. This is because welfare agencies are often involved in managing the burial arrangements for individuals who do not have the means to afford such services. They have the authority to act on behalf of those who are unable to make decisions due to financial constraints, ensuring that the deceased are properly laid to rest even when there are multiple individuals in need of burial services. In contrast, while a spouse of a deceased person does hold a significant role in making burial arrangements, their authority is typically related to their individual spouse rather than extending to multiple burials for others. Local community services may provide support or resources but generally do not have the formal authority to authorize burials. Funeral establishments facilitate the process of burial and provide the necessary services but are not authorized to make decisions regarding burial arrangements without proper consent or authorization from family members or recognized agencies.