STANDARDS
ARE ESSENTIAL
FOR PROFESSIONALISM
IN FUNERAL INDUSTRY
By Cristian Neagoe,
Anthony Assistance General Manager,
Romania
t the heart of the funeral industry lie
specific requirements that encapsulate
a profound dedication to professionalism,
unwavering regulatory compliance, and
the utmost respect in the handling of
the departed. These guidelines form an
indispensable framework, meticulously
designed to navigate the intricacies of post-
mortem care, ensuring that each decision
aligns with both regulatory standards and
the personalized preferences of grieving
families.
Anthony Assistance as an international deceased
repatriation provider and Anthony Funeral Home
as an national burial services provider, are always
following the national regulations and rules imposed
by Romanian laws and implementing international
standards, norms, and certifications related to
quality, management and environmental care. We
hold international certificates and operate according
to international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001,
and ISO 45001, which brings numerous benefits.
ISO 9001 ensures quality management systems,
enhancing service quality and customer satisfaction.
ISO 14001 emphasizes environmental management,
promoting eco-friendly practices in the cremation
process. ISO 45001 focuses on occupational health
and safety, safeguarding staff and ensuring a secure
work environment during funeral processes. These
standards collectively demonstrate commitment
to excellence, environmental responsibility, and
employee well-being, enhancing overall operational
efficiency and trust among clients.
In general, funeral services in Romania are regulated
by the Ministry of Health. Regulations cover aspects
such as funeral home licensing, transportation,
embalming and cremation and are more or less
similar in other European countries.
In Romania funeral homes are required to obtain
licenses from the Ministry of Health to operate legally.
Funeral services may be provided only in authorized
premises that meet certain requirements such as, for
example, the size of the space for providing funeral
services is at least 40 square meters, with a reception
area for customers and space for displaying products
and minimum area of 18 square meters for providing
mortuary care activities. Provision of such services
in public health institutions is expressly prohibited,
except for spaces required for necessary formalities
in the event of a death within the institution.
Advertising by funeral service companies within
health institutions is strictly forbidden. However,
at the formalities office, an alphabetical list of
authorized funeral service providers, including their
addresses and contact numbers, may be displayed
for families of individuals who have passed away
within the respective institution. This measure
ensures transparency and facilitates access to
essential information for the bereaved during the
challenging process of making funeral arrangements.
Regulations may require funeral service providers to
disclose pricing information to ensure transparency
for families.
The embalming plays a mandatory role in a variety of
scenarios, each of which has been carefully designed
14
No. 105 – SPRING 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC