This column is continued from the October issue.

4.         Identification at delivery to crematory

  Verify all required permits accompanying the deceased are fully completed with the same name on all paperwork. If any of the required paperwork is not fully completed, the crematory operator should hold further processing of the deceased until the paperwork is completed.

  Verify the authorization for cremation is completed and has not been altered. Never use Whiteout on any paperwork. If a correction or change is needed, either start a new form or draw a line though the mistake and write the correction next to the mistake with the initials of the authorizing agent.

  Verify the name on the authorization for cremation corresponds to the name on the container and the ID on the deceased. After the identification has been completed a pre-numbered stainless steel disk needs to be assigned to the deceased. This number should be recorded on all accompanying paperwork and written on the container. Once the cremation process starts this disk is the only identification that can track and verify who the cremated human remains are.

  The identification process should take place with a representative of the funeral home present. At the conclusion of this process the crematory should issue a receipt of human remains to the funeral home representative. This documentation is critical to the funeral home to demonstrate that the chain of custody has transferred from the funeral home to the crematory.

5.         Before placement in cremation chamber

  Before the human remains are placed in the cremation chamber it is critical the name on the outside of the cremation container/casket is the same name on all paperwork. Additionally, the number on the stainless steel disk must be verified to be the same number that was written on the cremation container/casket and on the paperwork.

  The stainless steel disk should be placed inside the cremation chamber. From this point going forward this will be the identification tracking for the cremated human remains.

  The paperwork should also follow the cremation process with no other paperwork for other cremation in the same area. The reason is so the paperwork will not be mistakenly switched.

6.         Start of clean out of chamber

  At the start of the cleanout of the cremation chamber the tracking number on the stainless steel disk needs to correspond to the number on the paperwork of the deceased that has just been cremated. After the cremated human remains have been retrieved from inside the cremation chamber and are in the cleanout container, the stainless steel disk needs to be placed on top of the cremated human remains.

  When the cremation chamber is cleaned, all measures should be taken to remove as much of the cremated human remains as possible. If there is visible residue remaining, the crematorium is not doing their job correctly, plus they are increasing the amount of co-mingling on each case they perform.

7.         Start of processing

  Before beginning to process the cremated human remains, verification of disk number with paperwork and container labels needs completed. It is critical that no other paperwork, cremated human remains or containers are in the area of processing.

8.         Before cremated human remains are placed in urn/container

  Again – before the cremated human remains are placed in an urn or temporary container, the disk number, paperwork and labels all need to be verified to make sure that all names and tracking numbers correspond. The stainless steel disk should be placed in the plastic bag or attached at the top of the plastic bag with locking strips after it has been filled with cremated human remains. This disk is the main identification tracking method to follow cremated human remains and needs to stay with them at all times.

  Also, all layers of packaging (plastic bag, urn/temporary container and cardboard box if used) need to have identification labels securely attached. If keepsakes are being used, each keepsake needs to have a small label placed on the bottom of each at the time of filling.

9.         When urn/container is given to funeral home

  A systematic series of procedures designed to document activity and certify accuracy is the most obvious way to ensure liability-safe cremation.

  First, verify the name on the container or urn compared to the funeral home’s paperwork at the crematorium. The name on the urn must be the same name on the authorization accompanying the deceased to the crematory.

  The other critical area to verify is that the name on the Certificate of Cremation also corresponds to the name on the authorization. And if a tracking number is used and listed on the paperwork, it must be the same number on all identification documentation.

  When the funeral home takes possession of the cremated human remains, they should sign a receipt of cremated human remains for the crematory. This documentation is critical for the crematory to demonstrate that the chain of custody has transferred from the crematory to the funeral home.

10. Before urn/container is given to family

  Before the cremated human remains are released to the authorized representative, it is critical that the name on the temporary container or urn and the Certificate of Cremation match the name on all the other paperwork. If the crematory utilizes an identification number on the temporary container or urn and Certificate of Cremation, these numbers must also correspond.

  Additional areas to verify before releasing the cremated human remains include verifying the correct urn is being used and the cremated human remains were placed in the urn. It is not unheard of for a funeral director to give a family member an empty urn.

  This usually happens when an urn is personalized: When it comes back from the manufacturer it is placed on a shelf. And when the authorized agent arrives to retrieve the cremated human remains, they are given an empty urn. Before releasing a temporary container or urn, the container should be checked to make sure it is not leaking and does not have any residue on the outside.

  Additionally, when the authorized representative takes custody of the cremated human remains, complete a signed and dated receipt stating control was transferred.

  In doing so, make a copy of the representative’s identification and attach it to the receipt. This documentation can protect the funeral home from future claims, such as releasing the cremated human remains to the wrong person, by the family should they arise.

  Following the above procedure to identify human remains and cremated human remains at each of 10 stages reduces the chance of loss and allows the families you are serving peace-of-mind.

  Whenever I write an article on cremation, I attempt to upgrade the cremation procedures that many of the death care providers currently follow. These procedures may take more time or may add cost to your firm. If they do, you may want to research what you are charging and adjust to reflect the level of dignity and respect everyone needs when dealing with consumers that chose cremation.