If funeral arrangements are confidential, which of the following may be disclosed?

Disclosing information related to suspicions of child abuse or elder abuse is justified due to the legal and ethical obligations to protect vulnerable individuals. In many jurisdictions, including West Virginia, professionals are mandated reporters, meaning they are required by law to report any suspicions of abuse to the appropriate authorities. This obligation overrides the confidentiality typically surrounding funeral arrangements, as the safety and welfare of individuals involved take precedence.

In contrast, financial issues of the deceased, information on funeral costs, and details about non-family members' attendance generally remain confidential unless there is explicit consent from the appropriate parties or a legal requirement to disclose such information. Protecting this confidentiality is essential to respect the privacy of the deceased and their families during sensitive times.