BMS Funeral Directing and Ceremonies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document legally authorizes a funeral director to take custody of human remains in most US states?
- Burial permit
- Death certificate
- Authorization for disposition
- Removal permit (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Removal permit
A removal permit (also called a transit permit) authorizes the funeral director to take custody and transport the body from the place of death.
Question 2: When a family requests a graveside service only, the funeral director's primary responsibility is to:
- Discourage the choice and offer a chapel service
- Coordinate with the cemetery for setup, access, and committal timing (Correct answer)
- Ensure a full visitation is held first
- Require a minimum service package
Correct answer: Coordinate with the cemetery for setup, access, and committal timing
The funeral director must coordinate logistics with the cemetery including canopy setup, lowering device, and scheduling the committal to honor the family's graveside-only request.
Question 3: A 'committal service' specifically refers to:
- The signing of funeral contracts
- The final rites performed at the place of disposition (Correct answer)
- The embalming authorization process
- The transfer of remains to a common carrier
Correct answer: The final rites performed at the place of disposition
A committal service consists of the final religious or secular rites performed at the grave, mausoleum, or cremation facility.
Question 4: Which of the following is a key element of the FTC Funeral Rule regarding price disclosure?
- Prices must be displayed only upon request
- A General Price List must be offered to all persons who inquire in person (Correct answer)
- Prices must be published in local newspapers
- Package pricing is required for all arrangements
Correct answer: A General Price List must be offered to all persons who inquire in person
The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to give a General Price List to all persons who inquire in person about funeral arrangements or the prices of funeral goods or services.
Question 5: In Jewish funeral tradition, the practice of 'Shmirah' refers to:
- Washing and preparing the body (Tahara)
- Keeping vigil/watch over the body until burial (Correct answer)
- The mourning period of seven days
- Reciting the Kaddish prayer
Correct answer: Keeping vigil/watch over the body until burial
Shmirah is the Jewish practice of having a guardian stay with the deceased from death until burial, based on the belief that the soul remains near the body.
Question 6: When arranging a funeral for a veteran, which benefit does the National Cemetery Scheduling Office (NCSO) coordinate?
- Life insurance payouts
- Burial in a national cemetery at no cost for eligible veterans (Correct answer)
- Free embalming services
- Casket allowances from the VA
Correct answer: Burial in a national cemetery at no cost for eligible veterans
The NCSO coordinates burial in national cemeteries, which is provided at no cost to eligible veterans and their dependents.
Question 7: A 'procession permit' or funeral escort is primarily required to:
- Allow the hearse to exceed speed limits
- Legally facilitate the movement of the funeral cortege through traffic (Correct answer)
- Transport hazardous embalming chemicals
- Authorize out-of-state body transport
Correct answer: Legally facilitate the movement of the funeral cortege through traffic
A funeral escort or procession permit allows the funeral cortege to proceed through intersections and traffic signals as a unified procession.
BMS Funeral Directing and Ceremonies 2
Which document legally authorizes a funeral director to take custody of human remains in most US states?