Tissue and Organ Procurement

The NOK owns the decedent's body but only for purposes of burial and other lawful disposition, not autopsy.

Does not require the permission of hte next of kin

involuntary nautre of the procedure

organs and tissues are returned to the body

Organs can be retained by ME to determine the cause, manner and circumstances of death or as evidence to document the autopsy findings.

No, the NOK has to give consent

Familes can sue

federal and state laws require hospitals and present this option to families

There is no evidence that the decedent has made or refuesd to make an anatomical gift, the C/ME shall contact by telephone the organ procurement organization (OPO) designated for the region in which the death occurs

The C/ME shall provided the OPO with informatin, if known to the C/ME concerning the decedents age, cause of death and if available, medical history

Tissue