Cremation Code of Ethics
At Richmond Cremation, you are entitled to review the various service and merchandise options we provide as well as being advised of any legal or policy requirements that may have an impact on the decisions you make. You are entitled to know how and where the cremation process is completed.
Your Rights:
- You have the right to absolute integrity from the crematory staff.
- You have the right to freedom of choice and a positive "can-do" attitude from our staff.
- You have the right to select from easy to understand options that simplify the process.
- You have the right to view and select from a wide and value-priced variety of cremation merchandise that is utilized in the cremation process (a cremation container) and will subsequently contain the cremated remains (an urn).
- You have the right to be advised of any policies and applicable legal requirements prior to finalizing the cremation arrangements and the Cremation Authorization Form.
- You have the right to inspect the crematory at any time. Our “Open Door Policy” allows you to view the crematory, located at 2179 Tomlynn Street, Richmond, Virginia, and learn about the manner with which we ensure that cremations are conducted responsibly and the cremated remains are handled carefully.
Identification of the Deceased:
- Recognizing that cremation process is irreversible, it is in the best interests of the next of kin and the crematory to ensure the correct identity of the deceased person before the cremation process takes place. In the State of Virginia, identification of the deceased by next of kin or designee is required by law. The identification may be done by next of kin or anyone appointed by the next of kin to do so.
- You will have an opportunity to identify the unembalmed remains prior to cremation.
- Prior to the identification, the mouth and eyes of the deceased person are closed by generally accepted methods of mortuary science (for aesthetic purposes). A disinfectant cleansing of the face and other areas of the body is applied as deemed necessary by our Funeral Director.
Virginia Law:
- Requires that if a deceased human remains is stored for more than 48 hours prior to disposition, a funeral service establishment having custody of such body, shall ensure that the deceased human remains is maintained in refrigeration. The legal requirements of obtaining a signed death certificate and the viewing by the State of Virginia Medical Examiner before the cremation can take place usually make it necessary to use refrigeration.
The Cremation Process:
- One deceased person will be cremated during the cremation process in a rigid, leak-resistant container that is closeable.
- Our unique two-person pre-cremation confirmation process ensures the highest ethical and legal standards.
- The cremated remains, consisting of bone fragments, will be diligently removed from the cremation chamber and processed into small fragments. Because the cremation chamber is lined with porous material, it is not always possible to remove small traces of the cremated remains.
- May be observed by the next of kin if that is their wish.
If you have questions or concerns about cremation, call us at 804-716-7294.
