What is considered the primary duty of a funeral home in Tennessee?

The primary duty of a funeral home in Tennessee is to care for deceased persons with dignity and respect. This responsibility encompasses a range of services that a funeral home provides, including the preparation and handling of the body, ensuring that all processes adhere to state laws and ethical guidelines. The emphasis on dignity and respect is crucial because these values support the grieving families during a profoundly sensitive time.

When a funeral home operates with this core principle, it sets the standard for the quality of service provided, which includes facilitating funeral services, coordinating details with families, and maintaining a respectful environment throughout the process. This focus on dignified care reflects the profession's commitment to honoring the deceased and supporting their loved ones in a compassionate manner.

While selling caskets and urns, providing transportation, and conducting grief counseling are also important services that may be offered, they are secondary to the fundamental duty of caring for the deceased with dignity and respect. This understanding highlights the central role of the funeral home's ethical obligations to the deceased and their families.