Is it permissible in Missouri for a funeral director to make a funeral service arrangement without a signed authorization?

In Missouri, obtaining express consent from the responsible party before making funeral service arrangements is a mandated requirement. This is crucial because it ensures that the funeral director has the explicit authorization to proceed with the services and that the wishes of the deceased and the family are respected. This regulation protects both the consumers and the funeral service professionals, creating a framework for legal and ethical practices within the profession.

The requirement for a signed authorization ensures that all parties involved are on the same page regarding the services to be provided, preventing misunderstandings and potential disputes about costs or specifics of the arrangements later on. Therefore, without a signed authorization, a funeral director cannot legally proceed with making service arrangements, thus affirming the critical nature of this requirement in maintaining professional standards in the funeral industry.