What must occur before embalming can take place?

In Washington State, before any embalming can take place, it is necessary to obtain authorization from a person with control over the disposition of the deceased. This is a crucial step because it ensures that the wishes of the deceased or their family are respected and that proper legal consent has been granted for the embalming process, which is considered a significant intervention in the handling of the body.

The person with control over disposition typically includes the next of kin or an individual designated by the deceased prior to their passing. This consent is not only about legal compliance but also about respecting the rights and wishes of the family during a sensitive time.

The other options, while they may represent valid considerations in specific contexts, do not supersede the requirement for authorization from a person with control over disposition. For instance, getting approval from the local health department may be necessary for certain health-related regulations, but it is typically not a prerequisite for embalming itself. Similarly, there is no mandatory waiting period required by law prior to embalming unless specified under certain circumstances, and while a signed contract with the funeral home is common practice in many situations, it is not a legal requirement specifically tied to the act of embalming.