What aspect of funeral services does Tennessee law require written authorization for?

Tennessee law specifically requires written authorization for embalming services to ensure that the wishes of the deceased and the family are respected and documented. This requirement serves several important purposes: it provides a clear record of consent, reduces the risk of misunderstanding or disputes regarding the services to be performed, and ensures that the family is fully informed about the implications and costs associated with embalming. This is a key regulatory measure to safeguard the interests of both the funeral service provider and the family involved in making decisions about the deceased.

In contrast, while other aspects of funeral services, such as burial permits, the transportation of remains, and the sale of funeral merchandise, may require some form of documentation or consent, they do not specifically mandate written authorization in the same way that embalming services do under Tennessee law. Therefore, understanding the unique legal requirement for embalming helps clarify the responsibilities of funeral directors in the state.