Which of the following is necessary for cremation to proceed legally?

The requirement for signed consent from the authorizing agent is critical for legal cremation procedures. In Tennessee, the law mandates that an authorized individual (typically a family member or someone designated by the deceased) must provide written consent before cremation can take place. This ensures that the wishes of the deceased and the rights of the family are respected according to legal and ethical standards.

Verbal agreements, while they may indicate consent, are not sufficient for legal compliance because they do not provide the clear, documented authority needed to proceed with cremation. Additionally, the funeral director's approval on its own does not fulfill the legal requirement for consent, as the authority must come from the designated authorizing agent, not just the director's endorsement. Lastly, a public announcement is not a legal requirement for proceeding with cremation and does not address the necessary consent process. Thus, signed consent from the authorizing agent is the only option that properly aligns with the legal requirements for cremation.