72-17-215. Authorization by coroner or local public health official. (1) The coroner may release and permit the removal of a part from a body within that official's custody, for transplantation or therapy, if:

(a) the official has received a request for the part from a hospital, physician, surgeon, or procurement organization;

(b) the official has made a reasonable effort, taking into account the useful life of the part, to locate and examine the decedent's medical records and inform persons listed in 72-17-214(1) of their option to make, or object to making, an anatomical gift;

(c) the official does not know of a refusal or contrary indication by the decedent or objection by a person having priority to act as listed in 72-17-214(1);

(d) the removal will be by a physician, surgeon, or technician; but in the case of eyes, by one of them or by an enucleator;

(e) the removal will not interfere with any autopsy or investigation;

(f) the removal will be in accordance with accepted standards; and

(g) cosmetic restoration will be done, if appropriate.

(2) If the body is not within the custody of the coroner, the local public health officer may release and permit the removal of any part from a body in the local public health officer's custody for transplantation or therapy if the requirements of subsection (1) are met.

(3) An official releasing and permitting the removal of a part shall maintain a permanent record of the name of the decedent, the person making the request, the date and purpose of the request, the part requested, and the person to whom it was released.

History: En. Sec. 12, Ch. 540, L. 1989.