Who is responsible for preparing the deceased for identification prior to cremation?

The responsibility for preparing the deceased for identification prior to cremation typically falls to the funeral director or embalmer. This role involves ensuring that the deceased is properly presented for viewing, which may include cleansing, dressing, and sometimes embalming the body. This preparation is crucial not only for identification purposes but also for the dignity of the deceased and the comfort of the family. The funeral director or embalmer is trained in handling the deceased and knows the protocols to follow, which helps facilitate the grieving process for family members.

The involvement of family members in identification usually happens after the funeral director or embalmer has prepared the body. While a crematory operator oversees the actual cremation process, their focus is not on the preparatory aspects for identification. Similarly, a medical examiner's role is primarily concerned with determining the cause of death, not with the preparation of the body for family identification and cremation. Thus, the funeral director or embalmer is the appropriate professional for this responsibility.