Is it acceptable for a licensee to go on the faith of a declaration regarding authority for making arrangements?

The practice of relying on a declaration regarding authority for making arrangements, such as funeral services, is generally a matter of ensuring that the individual giving the declaration has the legitimate authority to make those arrangements on behalf of the deceased or their family. The correct approach is to verify that authority to avoid potential legal issues and ensure that the arrangements made truly reflect the wishes and preferences of the deceased or their next of kin.

While it may seem acceptable to trust a declaration without any further action, doing so can lead to complications if the declaration is invalid or if the person does not actually have the authority to make arrangements. As a best practice, licensees should always strive to verify the declaration to ensure compliance with legal responsibilities and to uphold ethical standards in providing funeral services. This verification could involve confirming the identity of the individual and ensuring their relationship to the deceased.

By implementing a verification process, funeral service providers protect themselves and the families they serve, thereby promoting both ethical standards and legal compliance in the industry. Ultimately, approaching these declarations with a degree of skepticism and diligence contributes to the overall integrity of funeral services.