What does the term "disposition" refer to in funeral practices?

The term "disposition" in funeral practices specifically refers to the methods of handling human remains. This encompasses several different practices and processes, including burial, cremation, entombment, or donation to science. Understanding disposition is critical because it defines how the deceased will be cared for after death and affects various cultural, legal, and ethical practices surrounding death.

While preparation of the deceased’s body is an important aspect of funeral services, it is distinct from disposition, which focuses more broadly on what happens to the remains after preparation. Similarly, documentation post-death and the selection of funeral service options pertain to the administrative and service aspects of funerals rather than the direct handling of human remains. Thus, focusing on the methods of disposition highlights the core actions undertaken concerning the remains, which is essential knowledge within Washington State's funeral laws and regulations.