Minnesota State Mortician Practice Exam

Who is ultimately accountable for the transport of a body directed by an unlicensed individual?

1. The unlicensed person

2. The licensed mortician

3. The funeral home director

4. The family of the deceased

The correct answer is: The licensed mortician

The licensed mortician holds the ultimate accountability for the transport of a body, even if the transport is carried out by an unlicensed individual. This accountability is rooted in the regulatory and ethical standards governing the practice of mortuary science. The licensed mortician is responsible for ensuring that all procedures related to the care and transport of the deceased are performed in accordance with state laws and professional guidelines. This includes overseeing actions taken by unlicensed individuals because the licensed mortician is legally recognized as the individual responsible for the disposition of human remains. Consequently, if there were to be any issues that arise during the transport, such as legal violations or the mishandling of the body, it is the licensed mortician who would bear the repercussions. This emphasizes the importance of licensed professionals maintaining a supervisory role over any services related to funerals and body transport, thereby upholding both the dignity of the deceased and the standards of practice in the funeral industry.