What documentation is needed for a public official to authorize a burial?

A burial permit is the essential documentation required for a public official to authorize a burial. This permit is a legal document that grants permission for the interment of a deceased individual in a designated burial site. It typically includes important information such as the name of the deceased, the location of the burial, and verifies that the death has been properly recorded and that legal requirements surrounding the burial have been met.

The burial permit is important because it serves as an official record that the proper procedures have been followed following a person’s death. It helps ensure that the burial is conducted in accordance with local regulations and health codes, thereby protecting public health and safety.

The other options, while related to the process of handling a deceased person's remains, do not serve as the direct authorization for burial. A death certificate documents the fact of death but does not in itself grant permission for burial. A letter from the deceased's family may express their wishes, but it lacks the legal authority needed to authorize the burial. A health permit is generally more relevant to the handling of remains or the operation of a funeral home rather than the act of burial itself.