Common Cremation Service Laws

There are lots of laws in place regarding cremation. It’s completely normal to have lots of questions if you’re considering choosing cremation service in Lewisburg, PA for your eventual body disposition, or for a recently deceased loved one. Some of the most common questions are about cremation law. There are, of course, some cremation laws that vary from state to state, so you should always ask your cremation provider for more details regarding your local laws. But some average cremation laws include:  

1. Authorization – In most states the next-of-kin, or “authorizing agent,” can authorize cremation. The authorizing agent must complete, sign and submit an authorization form before the cremation can take place. 
2. Permits – You are required by law to have a cremation permit. Once the death certificate is completed and the cremation authorization is filed, the county will issue a cremation permit. Cremation permits cost anywhere from $10 to $40 depending on the county. 
3. Cremation Provider Licenses – All cremation providers are licensed and certified, as there are specific rules and regulations in place to protect consumers and ensure safe handling of the deceased. 
4. Cremation Consumer Protections – There are lots of laws protecting cremation consumers, from laws prohibiting crematories and funeral homes making false statements about body guarantees or cremation merchandise purchasing. If you want more information, check with your local or state government. 
5. Cremation Costs – Crematories are obligated to provide clear and concise descriptions of all services included each cremation price, as people who gave recently suffered a loss might be more susceptible to bad business practices. Cremations range in cost depending on the service and merchandise. 
6. Body Transportation from State to State – If the body is transported over a period of 24 hours or more after the death, embalming may be required. There are airline funeral shipping businesses that also have specific regulations and rules such as the purchase and use of a designated aircraft mortuary-shipping container. 
7. Cremation Viewing – Families viewing the cremation is not regulated by law, and therefore varies from crematory to crematory. Confirm with your chosen provider as its not guaranteed. 
   
8. Casket Requirements – Caskets are not required by law for cremations, but most states have laws stating that a rigid container must be provided for the cremation. These containers only have to be combustible and strong enough to support a body when being placed into the cremation chamber. 
9. Remain Handling – Laws about what you can and cannot do with cremated remain can vary greatly from state to state. However, most have similar general ideas like you cannot commingle cremated remains unless by deceased’s request, and you can only scatter cremated remains with appropriate authorization from the local authorities.  

Dale Ranck Cremation & Funeral Care is here to help if you want to learn more about Lewisburg, PA cremation services and local cremation laws. We are experts in our field and can offer guidance and advice on our services as well as general cremation information. Call today to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cremation and direct cremation?

The timeline is the main difference between traditional cremation and direct cremation with Direct cremation, the body is taken directly from the hospital or morgue to the crematorium.

How long can a body be kept before cremation?

A body is usually refrigerated between 8 and 24 hours. If you use a funeral service for this particular reason, you are usually charged per day.

Is it legal to keep human ashes at home?

In some states, it is legal to keep human ashes at home.