If a funeral establishment receives no authorization for cremation, how many days must they attempt to contact for authorization before proceeding?

In Missouri, funeral establishments are required to follow specific protocols when it comes to cremation. When they do not receive authorization for cremation, the law mandates that they must make attempts to contact the responsible party for authorization within a defined timeframe. The correct duration for these attempts is 10 days. This period is established to ensure that the wishes and intentions of the deceased's family are honored and that there is due diligence in securing proper consent before proceeding with cremation.

This timeframe allows the funeral establishment to adequately ensure there is an opportunity for the responsible party to provide the necessary authorization, reflecting the legal and ethical importance of obtaining consent in the funeral industry. It protects both the rights of the deceased and the legal responsibilities of the funeral home.