72-17-301. Rights and duties at death. (1) Subject to 72-17-202 and 72-17-218, the rights of a donee created by an anatomical gift are superior to rights of others under 72-17-214(1), except with respect to autopsies. A donee may accept or reject an anatomical gift. If the donee accepts an anatomical gift of the entire body, the donee, subject to the terms of the gift and this chapter, may allow embalming, burial, or cremation and the use of the body in funeral services. If the anatomical gift is of a part of the body, the donee, upon the death of the donor and before embalming, burial, or cremation shall cause the part to be removed without unnecessary mutilation. After removal of the part, custody of the remainder of the body vests in the person under obligation to dispose of the body.

(2) The time of death must be determined by a physician or surgeon who attends the donor at death or, if none, the physician, surgeon, or coroner who certifies the death. Neither the physician or surgeon who attends the donor at death nor the physician, surgeon, or coroner who determines the time of death may participate in the procedures for removing or transplanting a part unless the document of gift designates a particular physician or surgeon pursuant to 72-17-201(5).

(3) Unless prohibited by law other than this chapter, at any time after a donor's death, the person to which a part passes under 72-17-202 may conduct any reasonable examination necessary to ensure the medical suitability of the body or part for its intended purpose.

(4) Unless prohibited by law other than this chapter, an examination under 72-17-213(2)(c) or subsection (3) of this section may include an examination of all medical and dental records of the donor or prospective donor.

(5) Upon the death of a minor who was a donor or had signed a refusal, unless a procurement organization knows the minor is emancipated, the procurement organization shall conduct a reasonable search for the parents of the minor and provide the parents with an opportunity to revoke or amend the anatomical gift or revoke the refusal.

(6) Upon referral by a hospital under 72-17-213(2), a procurement organization shall make a reasonable search for any person listed in 72-17-214 having priority to make an anatomical gift on behalf of a prospective donor. If a procurement organization receives information that an anatomical gift to any other person was made, amended, or revoked, it shall promptly advise the other person of all relevant information.

(7) If there has been an anatomical gift, a technician may remove any donated parts and an enucleator may remove any donated eyes or parts of eyes after determination of death by a physician or surgeon.

History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 340, L. 1969; R.C.M. 1947, 69-2321(a), (b); MCA 1981, 72-17-210; redes. 72-17-301 by Code Commissioner, 1983; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 540, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 16, Ch. 345, L. 2007.