Mortuary Science Practice Exam

If final disposition does not occur within _______ days, the funeral director may be guilty of a felony.

1. 90

2. 150

3. 180

4. 365

The correct answer is: 180

The correct choice pertains to the legal timeframe within which final disposition of a body must occur to comply with regulations governing the handling of deceased individuals. Typically, the law requires that final disposition—whether through burial, cremation, or another method—must take place within a specified number of days to prevent legal repercussions for the funeral director. In many jurisdictions, if final disposition does not occur within 180 days, the funeral director may face felony charges due to violations of public health regulations related to the timely handling of remains. This timeframe is established to ensure that the deceased are treated respectfully and to prevent any potential health risks associated with the prolonged retention of a body. Other timeframes, such as 90 days, 150 days, or 365 days, may not align with the statutory requirements that have been set in place for the majority of locations, which is why the choice of 180 days stands out as the most accurate and relevant answer in this context.