What is the first course of action a funeral director should take when receiving a body?

The first course of action a funeral director should take upon receiving a body is to ensure proper documentation is in place. This step is vital as it involves obtaining and verifying essential legal documents, such as the death certificate and authorization forms from the next of kin. Ensuring that all documentation is accurate and complete helps to maintain compliance with legal and regulatory standards governing funeral practices.

Proper documentation is critical for multiple reasons: it protects the funeral home by ensuring that they are acting within the bounds of the law, it provides necessary information for processing the remains according to the deceased's legal status and wishes, and it forms the foundation for any subsequent arrangements, including preparations for the service and the ultimate disposition of the body. Without this information, the funeral director could face significant legal and ethical challenges that could complicate or hinder the entire process of handling the deceased.