New Jersey Mortuary Science Practice Exam

Under what circumstances may a welfare agency authorize interment?

1. For identified individuals only

2. In case of unclaimed bodies

3. For indigent persons

4. For both indigent and unclaimed individuals

The correct answer is: For both indigent and unclaimed individuals

A welfare agency is typically authorized to oversee the interment of individuals under specific conditions related to public health, ethics, and social responsibility. When considering the correct choice, it is important to understand the roles and responsibilities of such agencies. Interment authorizations involve addressing social needs, particularly for those who may not have the financial means or familial support for proper burial arrangements. Unclaimed bodies often require intervention from welfare agencies to ensure that public health standards are met and that these individuals receive dignified treatment, even when they have no one to claim them. Additionally, indigent persons—those lacking sufficient funds for burial—also fall under the welfare agency's purview. The agency makes arrangements to provide a suitable interment for these individuals, ensuring that societal values of respect and dignity are upheld in the face of financial hardship. Therefore, a welfare agency may authorize interment for both indigent individuals, who do not have the means to cover burial costs, and unclaimed bodies, as handling such cases is a critical aspect of their functional responsibilities. This dual focus highlights the agency’s commitment to addressing varying circumstances of vulnerability, thus supporting the correct answer that includes both types of individuals.