What element is not necessary for a funeral authorization document?

The signature of the decedent is not a necessary element for a funeral authorization document because the decedent is no longer able to provide consent. Funeral authorization documents are primarily intended to be signed by a competent adult who is responsible for making final arrangements for the deceased. This ensures that there is a legitimate party providing authorization for the funeral services, making the process legally binding. While including the decedent's signature might seem logical, it is impractical since the individual has passed away and cannot provide a signature or consent.

In contrast, the signatures of competent adults, the date of authorization, and potential notarization are all relevant components that establish the legality and authenticity of the document. The competent adult's signature confirms the authority and willingness to make decisions regarding the deceased's remains, while the date ensures that the authorization is current and valid. Notarization, while not always required, adds an extra layer of verification, indicating that the document was executed with the proper legal formalities.