What is required under Tennessee law before a body can be cremated?

In Tennessee, before a body can be cremated, it is mandated that a signed cremation authorization form is obtained. This legal requirement ensures that the wishes of the deceased and the consent of the authorized person are properly documented and respected. The signed form serves as an official record that confirms that all necessary parties, particularly those legally responsible for making decisions about the deceased's remains, have given their consent for cremation to take place.

This requirement is critical as it protects the rights of the deceased, the family and loved ones involved, and the funeral service provider. It helps prevent potential legal disputes regarding the handling of the body and ensures that the process adheres to applicable laws and regulations surrounding funerary practices.

The other options do not fulfill this legal necessity. A verbal agreement may not provide enough legal protection or documentation; a court order is typically not required in cases where a valid authorization is provided; and while approval from next of kin might be an important aspect of the decision-making process, it must culminate in a formal written authorization to comply with the law. Thus, the signed cremation authorization form is the essential component required for proceeding with cremation in Tennessee.