If the deceased had an infectious disease, the funeral practitioner should inform whom?

• A. The family
• B. The appropriate staff
• C. The public
• D. No one

Answer: (B)

Infection control requires sharing safety information with those who will actually handle the body. The appropriate staff—embalmers, funeral directors, transport personnel, and others directly involved in the care and processing—need to know so they can apply proper precautions, follow disinfection and waste procedures, and comply with regulations. This protects workers, prevents the spread of disease, and ensures safe, correct handling. Informing the family or the public isn’t necessary for safety and can raise privacy or sensationalism concerns, so information stays with the people who need it for safety.