If the manner of disposition is cremation, what must the coroner sign off on?

When the manner of disposition is cremation, it is essential for the coroner to sign off on the remains before the cremation can take place. This is a critical step in the process as it ensures that all necessary legal and procedural protocols have been adhered to. The coroner's approval confirms that the cause of death has been ascertained and that there are no legal reasons preventing the cremation from occurring.

This requirement is in place to maintain public health and safety standards and to uphold legal frameworks governing the treatment of human remains. Completing this step provides legal clearance necessary for the cremation process to proceed, which is why it is the correct answer in this context.

Other options do not pertain directly to the cremation process. For example, proof of death certification is typically handled by the attending physician or medical professional rather than the coroner, while funeral service contracts and casket selection agreements are matters related to the arrangements made with the funeral service provider, rather than approvals needed from the coroner.