New Jersey Mortuary Science Practice Exam

True or False: The practice of a mortuary must cease immediately upon the death of the proprietor.

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on state regulations.

4. Only if the owner was sole practitioner.

The correct answer is: False

The assertion that a mortuary must cease operations immediately upon the death of the proprietor is false. While the death of a business owner does present significant challenges and may require the establishment of a plan for succession, many jurisdictions allow for the continuation of business operations even in the absence of the owner. Typically, there are provisions within state regulations and laws governing mortuary practices that guide what happens next, such as provisions for transferring ownership, appointing a temporary manager, or allowing a licensed mortuary science professional to oversee the business until a more permanent solution is established. The goal is to ensure that the mortuary can continue to provide necessary services to families during a time of need, which is crucial in the funeral service profession. Therefore, operations do not have to be halted entirely based solely on the proprietor's death.