What is required if embalming is done without confirmation from the family?

In instances where embalming is performed without prior confirmation from the family, it is vital to document the rationale behind that decision. This documentation serves multiple purposes: it provides a clear record of the circumstances that led to the embalming, ensures accountability, and can protect both the funeral home and the funeral arranger legally. Keeping thorough records is a critical practice in the funeral industry, as it helps maintain transparency and can clarify any potential misunderstandings with the family later. It also underscores the professional standards that funeral arrangers are expected to uphold, demonstrating that they have acted in good faith and in accordance with ethical practices when familial consent was not secured.

The importance of documentation in this context cannot be overstated, as it provides evidence of the steps taken and the reasoning involved in the decision-making process regarding embalming.