What is required for cremation to occur?

Cremation requires a signed authorization from the next-of-kin to ensure that the decision is made by someone who holds legal authority over the deceased's final arrangements. This legal requirement protects the rights of the deceased and ensures that the wishes of the family are respected. The next-of-kin is typically responsible for making burial or cremation decisions, and their signature serves as confirmation that they agree to the cremation process, alleviating concerns about consent and ethical practices surrounding the handling of human remains.

While other options may relate to procedures and regulations surrounding cremation, they do not serve as fundamental requirements for the cremation itself. For example, witness agreements or public notifications are not standard prerequisites for proceeding with a cremation. Similarly, a medical examination report may be required in certain jurisdictions for legal or health reasons, but it is not universally necessary for the act of cremation to take place, making the signed authorization from the next-of-kin the most crucial requirement.