Who must authorize cremation?

• A. The funeral director
• B. The treating physician
• C. The next of kin
• D. The person who has right of disposition

Answer: (D)

Authorization for cremation rests with the person who has the right of disposition—the legally designated decision-maker for the decedent’s remains. This ensures there is a single, recognized authority to consent to final disposition and protects against unauthorized cremation. The funeral director handles obtaining the written consent, while the treating physician’s role is to certify death and note any medical considerations, not to authorize cremation. While next of kin may often be the person with right of disposition in practice, the formal requirement is the right-of-disposition holder defined by law. If no such person is identifiable, statutes provide who may authorize.