State of South Dakota

South Dakota Legislature

South Dakota Codified Laws

 
34-26 CUSTODY AND DISPOSITION OF BODIES AND BODY PARTS
CHAPTER 34-26

CUSTODY AND DISPOSITION OF BODIES AND BODY PARTS

34-26-1      Personal right to direct disposition of body and bodily parts--Inconsistent statutes not applicable.
34-26-2      Autopsy authorized.
34-26-3      Dissection authorized by decedent during life.
34-26-4      Dissection authorized by spouse or next of kin.
34-26-5      Dissection for purposes of inquest authorized by coroner, sheriff, or state's attorney.
34-26-6      Dissection of body of state institution inmate--Consent of next of kin required--Abandoned inmate.
34-26-7      Dissection authorized by legislative enactment.
34-26-8      Notice to medical school of unclaimed body--Requisition by and forwarding to medical school.
34-26-9      Receipt and record of bodies received by medical school.
34-26-10      Embalming and preservation of bodies by medical school--Claim by friend or relative.
34-26-11      Use of unclaimed bodies by medical school--Burial of remains.
34-26-12      Autopsies at hospitals for the mentally ill.
34-26-13      Unauthorized dissection of body as misdemeanor.
34-26-14      Right to custody of dead body--Coroner's custody pending inquest.
34-26-15      Burial within reasonable time required.
34-26-16      Persons charged with duty of burial--Grave marker.
34-26-17      Duty of burial on failure by persons first charged--County claim against estate for expense of burial.
34-26-18      Failure to make burial as misdemeanor--Civil liability for treble expenses.
34-26-19      Provisions applicable to parts of body.
34-26-20, 34-26-21. Repealed.
34-26-21.1      Information on organ donation to be made available to persons obtaining driver license or identification card.
34-26-22 to 34-26-46. Repealed.
34-26-47      Hospital protocol for identifying potential organ donors.
34-26-48      Short title.
34-26-49      Definitions.
34-26-50      Applicability.
34-26-51      Who may make anatomical gift before donor's death.
34-26-52      Manner of making anatomical gift before donor's death.
34-26-53      Amending or revoking anatomical gift before donor's death.
34-26-54      Refusal to make anatomical gift--Effect of refusal.
34-26-55      Preclusive effect of anatomical gift, amendment, or revocation.
34-26-56      Who may make anatomical gift of decedent's body or part.
34-26-57      Manner of making, amending, or revoking anatomical gift of decedent's body or part.
34-26-58      Persons who may receive anatomical gift--Purpose of anatomical gift.
34-26-59      Search and notification.
34-26-60      Delivery of document of gift not required--Right to examine.
34-26-61      Rights and duties of procurement organization and others.
34-26-62      Coordination of procurement and use.
34-26-63      Sale or purchase of parts prohibited.
34-26-64      Other prohibited acts.
34-26-65      Immunity.

34-26-66      Law governing validity--Choice of law as to execution of document of gift--Presumption of validity.
34-26-67      Donor registry.
34-26-68      Effect of anatomical gift on advance health care directive.
34-26-69      Cooperation between coroner and procurement organization.
34-26-70      Facilitation of anatomical gift from decedent whose body is under jurisdiction of coroner.
34-26-71      Uniformity of application and construction.
34-26-72      Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.

34-26-1 Personal right to direct disposition of body and bodily parts--Inconsistent statutes not a...
     34-26-1.   Personal right to direct disposition of body and bodily parts--Inconsistent statutes not applicable. Every person has the right to direct the manner in which his body or any part thereof shall be disposed of after his death, and to direct the manner in which any part of his body which becomes separated therefrom during his lifetime shall be disposed of. The provisions of §§ 34-26-4 to 34-26-7, inclusive, and of §§ 34-26-14 to 34-26-19, inclusive, do not apply where such person has given directions for the disposal of his body or any part thereof inconsistent with those provisions.

Source: PenC 1877, § 348; CL 1887, § 6549; RPenC 1903, § 353; RC 1919, § 3867; SDC 1939, § 27.1301; SL 1963, ch 152.

34-26-2 Autopsy authorized.
     34-26-2.   Autopsy authorized. An autopsy may be performed upon the body of a deceased person by a physician or surgeon whenever so authorized in writing, or by electronically recorded telephone communication:
             (1)      By the decedent during the decedent's lifetime; or
             (2)      By the decedent's surviving spouse; or
             (3)      If the surviving spouse is incompetent or not available or if there be no surviving spouse, by an adult child, parent, brother, or sister of the decedent. However, such autopsy may not be performed under a consent given as required by this subdivision if, before such autopsy is performed, any adult child or parent of the decedent objects in writing to the physician or surgeon by whom the autopsy is to be performed;
             (4)      By the state's attorney, county sheriff, or investigating county coroner pursuant to § 23-14-9.1.

Source: SL 1951, ch 188, § 2; SDC Supp 1960, § 34.1016; SL 1961, ch 184, § 2; SL 1981, ch 263; SL 1985, ch 191, § 5; SL 2009, ch 123, § 2.

34-26-3 Dissection authorized by decedent during life.
     34-26-3.   Dissection authorized by decedent during life. The right to dissect the dead body of a human being exists whenever a person lawfully gives permission for such disposal of his body or any part thereof after death.

Source: SDC 1939, § 27.1304 (5); SL 1963, ch 152.

34-26-4 Dissection authorized by spouse or next of kin.
     34-26-4.   Dissection authorized by spouse or next of kin. The right to dissect the dead body of a human being exists whenever any spouse or next of kin of a deceased person, or any other person, being charged by law with the duty of burial authorizes such dissection of the dead body or any part thereof for the purpose of ascertaining the cause of death or for the purpose of scientific use or advancement of medical science.

Source: PenC 1877, § 351, subdiv 3; CL 1887, § 6552, subdiv 3; RPenC 1903, § 356, subdiv 3; RC 1919, § 3870 (3); SDC 1939, § 27.1304 (3); SL 1963, ch 152.

34-26-5 Dissection for purposes of inquest authorized by coroner, sheriff, or state's attorney.
     34-26-5.   Dissection for purposes of inquest authorized by coroner, sheriff, or state's attorney. The right to dissect the dead body of a human being exists if the death occurs under circumstances in which a coroner is authorized by law to hold an inquest upon the body or under the provisions of § 23-14-9.1, and a coroner, sheriff, or the state's attorney designated by law to order an autopsy authorizes such dissection for the purposes of the inquest.

Source: PenC 1877, § 351, subdiv 2; CL 1887, § 6552, subdiv 2; RPenC 1903, § 356, subdiv 2; RC 1919, § 3870 (2); SDC 1939, § 27.1304 (2); SL 1961, ch 131; SL 1967, ch 103, § 1; SL 1985, ch 191, § 6; SL 2009, ch 123, § 3.

34-26-6 Dissection of body of state institution inmate--Consent of next of kin required--Abandoned...
     34-26-6.   Dissection of body of state institution inmate--Consent of next of kin required--Abandoned inmate. The right to dissect the dead body of a human being exists whenever the person dying is at the time of death an inmate of any charitable institution supported by the State of South Dakota, and such person is at the time of death under medical treatment by physicians appointed or under supervision of said authority; provided however, that before such dissection is allowed an order shall be made by the superintendent or person having charge of such charitable institution stating that in his opinion such dissection is necessary or advisable for the purpose of obtaining knowledge of the cause of the death of such person or necessary for the treatment of others; and, before such dissection be allowed the consent of the next of kin of said deceased person shall be obtained, unless said deceased person shall have been neglected or abandoned by said kin for a period of not less than six months next preceding the time of death of such person, and when no inquiry for or in regard to said deceased person shall have been made by the next of kin of said deceased person for a period of six months next preceding the death of such person, such person shall be deemed abandoned for said period.

Source: SL 1895, ch 75, § 1; RPenC 1903, § 356, subdiv 4; RC 1919, § 3870 (4); SDC 1939, § 27.1304 (4).

34-26-7 Dissection authorized by legislative enactment.
     34-26-7.   Dissection authorized by legislative enactment. The right to dissect the dead body of a human being exists in the cases authorized by positive enactment of the Legislature of this state.

Source: PenC 1877, § 351, subdiv 1; CL 1887, § 6552, subdiv 1; RPenC 1903, § 356, subdiv 1; RC 1919, § 3870 (1); SDC 1939, § 27.1304 (1).

34-26-8 Notice to medical school of unclaimed body--Requisition by and forwarding to medical schoo...
     34-26-8.   Notice to medical school of unclaimed body--Requisition by and forwarding to medical school. It shall be the duty of any person into whose charge may come the unclaimed dead body of a convict or other person to be buried at public expense, to give notice to the dean of the School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota within twenty-four hours after the receipt of any such body, specifying in such notice the probable cause of death; and upon the requisition of such dean he shall forward such body to the university, at its expense, within twenty-four hours of the receipt of such requisition.

Source: SL 1909, ch 278, § 1; RC 1919, § 5595; SDC 1939, § 15.1104.

34-26-9 Receipt and record of bodies received by medical school.
     34-26-9.   Receipt and record of bodies received by medical school. A receipt for any body forwarded pursuant to § 34-26-8 shall be given to the officer or person delivering the same, and the medical school of the university shall keep or cause to be kept, a record of all such bodies so received, in which shall be recorded at length all facts necessary for the identification of such bodies.

Source: SL 1909, ch 278, § 2; RC 1919, § 5595; SDC 1939, § 15.1104.

34-26-10 Embalming and preservation of bodies by medical school--Claim by friend or relative.
     34-26-10.   Embalming and preservation of bodies by medical school--Claim by friend or relative. All bodies delivered pursuant to § 34-26-8 shall be properly embalmed, and shall be preserved for a period of not less than sixty days, during which time any personal friend or relative of the decedent, making request for such body for private interment, shall be given possession thereof.

Source: SL 1909, ch 278, § 1; RC 1919, § 5595; SDC 1939, § 15.1104.

34-26-11 Use of unclaimed bodies by medical school--Burial of remains.
     34-26-11.   Use of unclaimed bodies by medical school--Burial of remains. Bodies delivered pursuant to § 34-26-8 unclaimed after the expiration of sixty days may be used for the promotion of medical and surgical science, and the instruction and study of physicians and students of anatomy and embalming in this state. After having served such purpose, the remains shall in all cases receive proper burial.

Source: SL 1909, ch 278, § 3; RC 1919, § 5595; SDC 1939, § 15.1104.

34-26-12 Autopsies at hospitals for the mentally ill.
     34-26-12.   Autopsies at hospitals for the mentally ill. Nothing contained in §§ 34-26-8 to 34-26-11, inclusive, shall preclude the officers of the state hospitals for the mentally ill from using the unclaimed remains of patients dying in such hospitals to make autopsies for pathological study.

Source: SL 1909, ch 278, § 4; RC 1919, § 5595; SDC 1939, § 15.1104.

34-26-13 Unauthorized dissection of body as misdemeanor.
     34-26-13.   Unauthorized dissection of body as misdemeanor. Every person who makes or procures to be made any dissection of the body of a human being, except by authority of law or in pursuance of a permission given by the decedent, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: PenC 1877, § 352; CL 1887, § 6553; RPenC 1903, § 357; RC 1919, § 3871; SDC 1939, § 13.1417; SL 1977, ch 190, § 68.

34-26-14 Right to custody of dead body--Coroner's custody pending inquest.
     34-26-14.   Right to custody of dead body--Coroner's custody pending inquest. The person charged by law with the duty of burying the body of a deceased person is entitled to the custody of such body for the purpose of burying it. However, in the cases in which an investigation or inquest is required by law to be held upon a dead body, by a coroner, such coroner is entitled to its custody until such inquest has been completed.

Source: PenC 1877, § 357; CL 1887, § 6558; RPenC 1903, § 362; RC 1919, § 3876; SDC 1939, § 27.1302; SL 1985, ch 191, § 7.

34-26-15 Burial within reasonable time required.
     34-26-15.   Burial within reasonable time required. Except in the cases in which the right to dissect a dead body is expressly conferred by law, every dead body of a human being lying within this state must be decently buried within a reasonable time after the death. Nothing herein shall affect the right to remove from or carry through this state, a dead human body or parts thereof for the purpose of burying the same in another place.

Source: PenC 1877, §§ 349, 350; CL 1887, §§ 6550, 6551; RPenC 1903, §§ 354, 355; RC 1919, §§ 3868, 3869; SDC 1939, § 27.1301.

34-26-16 Persons charged with duty of burial--Grave marker.
     34-26-16.   Persons charged with duty of burial--Grave marker. The duty of burying the body of a deceased person and providing the grave with a permanent concrete, metal anchored in concrete, or stone marker devolves upon the persons hereinafter specified:
             (1)      If the decedent was married the duty of burial devolves upon the husband or wife;
             (2)      If the decedent was not married but left any kindred, the duty of burial devolves upon the person or persons in the same degree nearest of kin to the decedent, being of adult age, and within this state and possessed of sufficient means to defray the necessary expenses;
             (3)      If the decedent left no husband or wife nor kindred answering the foregoing description, the duty of burial devolves upon the coroner conducting an inquest upon the body of the decedent, if any such inquest is held; if none, then upon the person charged with the support of the poor in the locality in which the death occurs.

Source: PenC 1877, § 355; CL 1887, § 6556; RPenC 1903, § 360; RC 1919, § 3874; SDC 1939, § 27.1303; SL 1963, ch 153.

34-26-17 Duty of burial on failure by persons first charged--County claim against estate for expens...
     34-26-17.   Duty of burial on failure by persons first charged--County claim against estate for expense of burial. In case the person upon whom the duty of burial is first cast by the provisions of § 34-26-16 omits to make such burial within a reasonable time, the duty devolves upon the person next specified; and if all omit to act it devolves upon the tenant, or if there is no tenant upon the owner of the premises or master, or if there is no master upon the owner of the vessel in which the death occurs or the body is found; and if all of these omit to act it devolves upon the county of the legal residence of the deceased and if no such residence is known, then upon the county where the body is first found dead, and in all such cases the said county shall have a legal preferred claim against the estate of the decedent for the actual expense incurred.

Source: PenC 1877, § 355, subdiv 4; CL 1887, § 6556, subdiv 4; RPenC 1903, § 360, subdiv 4; RC 1919, § 3874 (4); SDC 1939, § 27.1303 (4); SL 1963, ch 153.

34-26-18 Failure to make burial as misdemeanor--Civil liability for treble expenses.
     34-26-18.   Failure to make burial as misdemeanor--Civil liability for treble expenses. Every person upon whom the duty of making burial of the remains of a deceased person is imposed by law, who omits to perform that duty within a reasonable time, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor; and, in addition to the punishment prescribed therefor, is liable to pay to the person performing the duty in his stead, treble the expenses incurred by the latter in making the burial, to be recovered in a civil action.

Source: PenC 1877, § 356; CL 1887, § 6557; RPenC 1903, § 361; RC 1919, § 3875; SDC 1939, § 13.1415; SL 1977, ch 190, § 69.

34-26-19 Provisions applicable to parts of body.
     34-26-19.   Provisions applicable to parts of body. All provisions of this code requiring burial of a dead body, or punishing interference with, or injuries to a dead body, apply equally to any part of a dead body separated therefrom during lifetime, or by dissection after death, as soon as the lawful purposes of such dissection have been accomplished.

Source: PenC 1877, §§ 353, 354; CL 1887, §§ 6554, 6555; RPenC 1903, §§ 358, 359; RC 1919, §§ 3872, 3873; SDC 1939, § 27.1301.

34-26-20
     34-26-20, 34-26-21.   Repealed by SL 2007, ch 197, § 26.

34-26-21 Eligibility to make gifts of own body.
     34-26-21.   Eligibility to make gifts of own body. Any individual of sound mind and fourteen years of age or more may give all or any part of his body for any purpose specified in § 34-26-27, the gift to take effect upon death. However, if the individual is less than eighteen years of age, a parent or guardian must give his consent for the donation.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 2 (1); SL 1991, ch 280, § 1.

34-26-21.1 Information on organ donation to be made available to persons obtaining driver license or ...
     34-26-21.1.   Information on organ donation to be made available to persons obtaining driver license or identification card. The Department of Public Safety, with the advice of the Department of Health, shall provide each person renewing or applying for a driver license or nondriver identification card an opportunity to review information about organ donation, such as information available from the organ procurement organization designated by the federal government for this state. The person shall affirm on the application that the person has reviewed the information.

Source: SL 2001, ch 186, § 5; SL 2003, ch 272, §§ 20, 121.

34-26-22
     34-26-22 to 34-26-46.   Repealed by SL 2007, ch 197, § 26.

34-26-23 Anatomical gift by document other than will--Execution and effectiveness of document.
     34-26-23.   Anatomical gift by document other than will--Execution and effectiveness of document. A gift of all or part of the body under § 34-26-21 may also be made by document other than a will. The gift becomes effective upon the death of the donor. The document, which may be a card designed to be carried on the person, shall be signed by the donor. If the donor cannot sign, the document may be signed for him at his direction and in his presence in the presence of two witnesses who must sign the document in his presence. Delivery of the document of gift during the donor's lifetime is not necessary to make the gift valid.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 4 (2); SL 1991, ch 280, § 1A.

34-26-23.1 Document of gift attached to or imprinted on driver license or identification card.
     34-26-23.1.   Document of gift attached to or imprinted on driver license or identification card. If a document of gift is attached to or imprinted on a donor's motor vehicle driver license or nondriver identification card, the document of gift shall comply with § 34-26-23. If a person is less than eighteen years of age, a document of gift may only be attached to or imprinted on a donor's motor vehicle driver license or nondriver identification card if a parent or guardian of the person consents. Revocation, suspension, expiration, or cancellation of the license does not invalidate the anatomical gift.

Source: SL 1991, ch 280, § 2; SL 2001, ch 186, § 1.

34-26-23.2 Notification to legal custodian of decedent's intent to make anatomical gift--Notification...
     34-26-23.2.   Notification to legal custodian of decedent's intent to make anatomical gift--Notification to procurement agency for anatomical gifts. Any state or local law enforcement agency, officer, or personnel, that has access to a decedent's motor vehicle driver license or nondriver identification card, or the information thereon, shall inform, upon request, the decedent's attending physician or nurse, next of kin, the coroner, or any other person having lawful custody of the decedent's body, of the decedent's intention, as indicated on the decedent's motor vehicle driver license or nondriver identification card, to make an anatomical gift pursuant to § 34-26-23 or 34-26-23.1. Any state or local law enforcement agency, officer, or personnel shall also inform, upon request, any procurement agency for anatomical gifts, including organs, tissues, and eyes, of such intention of the decedent.

Source: SL 1998, ch 210, § 1; SL 1999, ch 176, § 1; SL 2001, ch 186, § 2.

34-26-24 Anatomical gifts by spouse, kin, guardian, or authorized person--Priority of authority to ...
     34-26-24.   Anatomical gifts by spouse, kin, guardian, or authorized person--Priority of authority to make gift--Time of gift. Any of the following persons, in order of priority stated, if persons in prior classes are not available at the time of death, and in the absence of actual notice of contrary indications by the decedent or actual notice of opposition by a member of the same or a prior class, may give all or any part of the decedent's body for any purpose specified in § 34-26-27:
             (1)      The spouse;
             (2)      An adult son or daughter;
             (3)      Either parent;
             (4)      An adult brother or sister;
             (5)      A grandparent;
             (6)      A guardian of the person of the decedent at the time of his death;
             (7)      Any other person authorized or under obligation to dispose of the body.
     The persons authorized may make the gift after or immediately before death.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 2 (2), (3); SL 1991, ch 280, § 3.

34-26-25 Execution of anatomical gift by spouse, kin, guardian, or authorized person.
     34-26-25.   Execution of anatomical gift by spouse, kin, guardian, or authorized person. Any gift by a person designated in § 34-26-24 shall be made by a document signed by him or made by his telegraphic, recorded telephonic, or other recorded message.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 4 (5).

34-26-26 Donee not to accept unauthorized anatomical gift.
     34-26-26.   Donee not to accept unauthorized anatomical gift. If the donee has actual notice of contrary indications by the decedent or that a gift by a member of a class is opposed by a member of the same or a prior class, the donee shall not accept the gift.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 2 (3).

34-26-27 Authorized donees of anatomical gifts--Authorized purposes.
     34-26-27.   Authorized donees of anatomical gifts--Authorized purposes. The following persons may become donees of gifts of bodies or parts thereof for the purposes stated:
             (1)      Any hospital, surgeon, or physician, for medical or dental education, research, advancement of medical or dental science, therapy, or transplantation; or
             (2)      Any accredited medical or dental school, college or university for education, research, advancement of medical or dental science, or therapy; or
             (3)      Any bank or storage facility, for medical or dental education, research, advancement of medical or dental science, therapy, or transplantation; or
             (4)      Any specified individual for therapy or transplantation needed by him.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 3.

34-26-28 Anatomical gift to specified donee or without specifying donee--Acceptance of gift by atte...
     34-26-28.   Anatomical gift to specified donee or without specifying donee--Acceptance of gift by attending physician. The gift may be made to a specified donee or without specifying a donee. If the latter, the gift may be accepted by the attending physician as donee upon or following death. If the gift is made to a specified donee who is not available at the time and place of death, the attending physician upon or following death, in the absence of any expressed indication that the donor desired otherwise, may accept the gift as donee. The physician who becomes a donee under this section shall not participate in the procedures for removing or transplanting a part.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 4 (3).

34-26-29 Designation of surgeon, physician, or technician to carry out purposes of anatomical gift....
     34-26-29.   Designation of surgeon, physician, or technician to carry out purposes of anatomical gift. Notwithstanding § 34-26-34, the donor may designate in a will, card, or other document of gift the surgeon, physician, or technician to carry out the appropriate procedures. In the absence of a designation or if the designee is not available, the donee or other person authorized to accept the gift may employ or authorize any surgeon, physician, or technician for the purpose.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 4 (4); SL 1995, ch 197, § 2.

34-26-29.1 Enucleation of eye by properly certified technician--Immunity from liability.
     34-26-29.1.   Enucleation of eye by properly certified technician--Immunity from liability. In respect to a gift of an eye as provided for in § 34-26-21, a technician who has completed the certification course in enucleation of eyes offered by the South Dakota Lions Eye Bank or an equivalent course and has been certified by a duly accredited eye bank as meeting the standards of practice for eye enucleation may, at the direction of an ophthalmologist, enucleate eyes for such a gift after pronouncement of death by a physician and compliance with the intent of such a gift as defined in this chapter. No such properly certified technician acting in accordance with the terms of this chapter is liable, civilly or criminally, for such eye enucleation.

Source: SL 1973, ch 231; SL 1982, ch 266; SL 1992, ch 249, § 7; SL 1995, ch 197, § 3.

34-26-30 Delivery of document of anatomical gift.
     34-26-30.   Delivery of document of anatomical gift. If the gift is made by the donor to a specified donee, the will, card, or other document, or an executed copy thereof, may be delivered to the donee to expedite the appropriate procedures immediately after death. Delivery is not necessary to the validity of the gift. The will, card, or other document, or an executed copy thereof, may be deposited in any hospital, bank or storage facility, or registry office that accepts it for safekeeping or for facilitation of procedures after death. On request of any interested party upon or after the donor's death, the person in possession shall produce the document for examination.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 5.

34-26-31 Amendment or revocation of anatomical gift delivered to specified donee.
     34-26-31.   Amendment or revocation of anatomical gift delivered to specified donee. If the will, card, or other document or executed copy thereof, has been delivered to a specified donee, the donor may amend or revoke the gift by:
             (1)      The execution and delivery to the donee of a signed statement; or
             (2)      An oral statement made in the presence of two persons and communicated to the donee; or
             (3)      A statement during a terminal illness or injury addressed to an attending physician and communicated to the donee; or
             (4)      A signed card or document found on his person or in his effects.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 6 (1).

34-26-32 Revocation of undelivered document of anatomical gift.
     34-26-32.   Revocation of undelivered document of anatomical gift. Any document of gift which has not been delivered to the donee may be revoked by the donor in the manner set out in § 34-26-31 or by destruction, cancellation, or mutilation of the document and all executed copies thereof.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 6 (2).

34-26-33 Amendment or revocation of anatomical gift by will.
     34-26-33.   Amendment or revocation of anatomical gift by will. Any gift made by a will may also be amended or revoked in the manner provided for amendment or revocation of wills or as provided in § 34-26-31.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 6 (3).

34-26-33.1 Amendment or revocation of anatomical gift by donor.
     34-26-33.1.   Amendment or revocation of anatomical gift by donor. A donor may amend or revoke an anatomical gift only by:
             (1)      Removing the designation from the donor's driver license or nondriver identification card;
             (2)      An oral statement made by the donor to two persons in the presence of each other or to an attorney or attorney-in-fact indicating the donor's intent to revoke the gift;
             (3)      Any form of communication made by the donor during a terminal illness or injury addressed to a physician or surgeon; or
             (4)      A signed card or document found on the donor's person or in the donor's effects.

Source: SL 2001, ch 186, § 4.

34-26-33.2 Anatomical gift irrevocable by any person other than donor--On donor's death no person's c...
     34-26-33.2.   Anatomical gift irrevocable by any person other than donor--On donor's death no person's consent required. An anatomical gift of any part of the body under § 34-26-21 made pursuant to §§ 34-26-22 to 34-26-23.1, inclusive, is irrevocable by any person other than the donor as provided in § 34-26-33.1. An anatomical gift does not require the consent or concurrence of any person after the donor's death.

Source: SL 2001, ch 186, § 3.

34-26-34 Determination of time of death of donor of anatomical gift--Attending physician not to par...
     34-26-34.   Determination of time of death of donor of anatomical gift--Attending physician not to participate in removal or transplant of part. The time of death shall be determined by a physician who attends the donor at his death or, if none, the physician who certifies the death. The physician shall not participate in the procedures for removing or transplanting a part.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 7 (2).

34-26-35 Rights of donee paramount--Exception.
     34-26-35.   Rights of donee paramount--Exception. The rights of the donee created by the gift are paramount to the rights of others except as provided by § 34-26-38.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 2 (5).

34-26-36 Examination for medical acceptability authorized by anatomical gift.
     34-26-36.   Examination for medical acceptability authorized by anatomical gift. A gift of all or part of a body authorizes any examination necessary to assure medical acceptability of the gift for the purposes intended.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 2 (4).

34-26-37 Acceptance or rejection of anatomical gift by donee--Removal of part of body.
     34-26-37.   Acceptance or rejection of anatomical gift by donee--Removal of part of body. The donee may accept or reject the gift. If the donee accepts a gift of the entire body, he may, subject to the terms of the gift, authorize embalming and the use of the body in funeral services. If the gift is of a part of the body, the donee, upon the death of the donor and prior to embalming, 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 surviving spouse, next of kin, or other persons under obligation to dispose of the body.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 7 (1).

34-26-38 Anatomical gift provisions subject to autopsy laws.
     34-26-38.   Anatomical gift provisions subject to autopsy laws. The provisions of §§ 34-26-20 to 34-26-41, inclusive, are subject to the laws of this state prescribing powers and duties with respect to autopsies.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 7 (4).

34-26-39 Exemption from civil or criminal liability for good faith actions under anatomical gift la...
     34-26-39.   Exemption from civil or criminal liability for good faith actions under anatomical gift laws. A person who acts in good faith in accord with the terms of §§ 34-26-20 to 34-26-41, inclusive, or the anatomical gift laws of another state or a foreign country is not liable for damages in any civil action or subject to prosecution in any criminal proceeding for his act.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 7 (3).

34-26-40 Uniformity of interpretation of anatomical gift provisions.
     34-26-40.   Uniformity of interpretation of anatomical gift provisions. Sections 34-26-20 to 34-26-41, inclusive, shall be so construed as to effectuate their general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact them.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 8.

34-26-41 Citation of anatomical gift provisions.
     34-26-41.   Citation of anatomical gift provisions. Sections 34-26-20 to 34-26-41, inclusive, may be cited as the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.

Source: SL 1969, ch 111, § 9.

34-26-42 "Human organ" defined.
     34-26-42.   "Human organ" defined. For the purposes of §§ 34-26-42 to 34-26-46, inclusive, the term, human organ, means the human kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, eye, or any other human organ or nonrenewable or nonregenerative tissue except plasma and sperm.

Source: SL 1992, ch 248, § 1; SL 1995, ch 197, § 4.

34-26-43 Valuable consideration for organ donation.
     34-26-43.   Valuable consideration for organ donation. For the purposes of §§ 34-26-42 to 34-26-46, inclusive, the term, valuable consideration, means financial gain or advantage, but does not include the reasonable costs associated with the removal, storage, transportation, and transplantation of a human organ, or reimbursement for those services, or the expenses of travel, housing, and lost wages incurred by the donor of a human organ in connection with the donation of the organ.

Source: SL 1992, ch 248, § 2.

34-26-44 Sale or purchase of human organs prohibited--Violation as felony.
     34-26-44.   Sale or purchase of human organs prohibited--Violation as felony. No person may knowingly acquire, receive, sell, promote the transfer of, or otherwise transfer any human organ, for purposes of transplantation for valuable consideration. A violation of this section is a Class 6 felony.

Source: SL 1992, ch 248, § 3.

34-26-45 Removal or transplantation of human organ sold for valuable consideration prohibited--Viol...
     34-26-45.   Removal or transplantation of human organ sold for valuable consideration prohibited--Violation as felony. No person may remove or transplant any human organ with the knowledge that the organ has been acquired or will be transferred or sold for valuable consideration in violation of § 34-26-44. A violation of this section is a Class 6 felony.

Source: SL 1992, ch 248, § 4.

34-26-46 Liability of physician or surgeon under emergency conditions.
     34-26-46.   Liability of physician or surgeon under emergency conditions. No licensed physician or surgeon who transplants a human organ in violation of § 34-26-45 is criminally liable pursuant to that section if the act is performed under emergency or life-threatening conditions.

Source: SL 1992, ch 248, § 5.

34-26-47 Hospital protocol for identifying potential organ donors.
     34-26-47.   Hospital protocol for identifying potential organ donors. A hospital shall establish written protocols for the identification of potential human organ, eye, and tissue donors that:
             (1)      Assure that families of potential donors are made aware of the option of organ, eye, and tissue donation and their option to decline;
             (2)      Encourage discretion and sensitivity with respect to the circumstances, views, and beliefs of such families;
             (3)      Require that an organ procurement agency designated by the United States secretary of health and human services be notified of potential organ donors; and
             (4)      Require that an eye and tissue organization designated by the hospital be notified of potential eye and tissue donors.

Source: SL 1992, ch 249, § 1; SL 1995, ch 197, § 5.

34-26-48 Short title.
     34-26-48.   Short title. Sections 34-26-48 to 34-26-72, inclusive, may be cited as the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 1.

34-26-49 Definitions.
     34-26-49.   Definitions. In §§ 34-26-48 to 34-26-72, inclusive:
             (1)      "Adult" means an individual who is at least eighteen years of age.
             (2)      "Agent" means an individual:
             (A)      Authorized to make health care decisions on the principal's behalf by a power of attorney for health care; or
             (B)      Expressly authorized to make an anatomical gift on the principal's behalf by any other record signed by the principal.
             (3)      "Anatomical gift" means a donation of all or part of a human body to take effect after the donor's death for the purpose of transplantation, therapy, research, or education.
             (4)      "Decedent" means a deceased individual whose body or part is or may be the source of an anatomical gift. The term does not include a blastocyst, embryo, or fetus that is the subject of an induced abortion.
             (5)      "Disinterested witness" means a witness other than the spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandchild, grandparent, or guardian of the individual who makes, amends, revokes, or refuses to make an anatomical gift, or another adult who exhibited special care and concern for the individual. The term does not include a person to which an anatomical gift could pass under § 34-26-58.
             (6)      "Document of gift" means a donor card or other record used to make an anatomical gift. The term includes a statement or symbol on a driver's license, identification card, or donor registry.
             (7)      "Donor" means an individual whose body or part is the subject of an anatomical gift.
             (8)      "Donor registry" means a database that contains records of anatomical gifts and amendments to or revocations of anatomical gifts.
             (9)      "Driver's license" means a license or permit issued by the Department of Public Safety to operate a vehicle, whether or not conditions are attached to the license or permit.
             (10)      "Eye bank" means a person that is licensed, accredited, or regulated under federal or state law to engage in the recovery, screening, testing, processing, storage, or distribution of human eyes or portions of human eyes.
             (11)      "Guardian" means a person appointed by a court to make decisions regarding the support, care, education, health, or welfare of an individual. The term does not include a guardian ad litem.
             (12)      "Hospital" means a facility licensed as a hospital under the law of any state or a facility operated as a hospital by the United States, a state, or a subdivision of a state.
             (13)      "Identification card" means an identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety.
             (14)      "Know" means to have actual knowledge.
             (15)      "Minor" means an individual who is under eighteen years of age.
             (16)      "Organ procurement organization" means a person designated by the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services as an organ procurement organization.
             (17)      "Parent" means a parent whose parental rights have not been terminated.
             (18)      "Part" means an organ, an eye, or tissue of a human being. The term does not include the whole body.
             (19)      "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity.
             (20)      "Physician" means an individual authorized to practice medicine or osteopathy under the law of any state.
             (21)      "Procurement organization" means an eye bank, organ procurement organization, or tissue bank.
             (22)      "Prospective donor" means an individual who is dead or near death and has been determined by a procurement organization to have a part that could be medically suitable for transplantation, therapy, research, or education. The term does not include an individual who has made a refusal.
             (23)      "Reasonably available" means able to be contacted by a procurement organization without undue effort and willing and able to act in a timely manner consistent with existing medical criteria necessary for the making of an anatomical gift.
             (24)      "Recipient" means an individual into whose body a decedent's part has been or is intended to be transplanted.
             (25)      "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
             (26)      "Refusal" means a record created under § 34-26-54 that expressly states an intent to bar other persons from making an anatomical gift of an individual's body or part.
             (27)      "Sign" means, with the present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:
             (A)      To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
             (B)      To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process.
             (28)      "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
             (29)      "Technician" means an individual determined to be qualified to remove or process parts by an appropriate organization that is licensed, accredited, or regulated under federal or state law. The term includes an enucleator.
             (30)      "Tissue" means a portion of the human body other than an organ or an eye. The term does not include blood unless the blood is donated for the purpose of research or education.
             (31)      "Tissue bank" means a person that is licensed, accredited, or regulated under federal or state law to engage in the recovery, screening, testing, processing, storage, or distribution of tissue.
             (32)      "Transplant hospital" means a hospital that furnishes organ transplants and other medical and surgical specialty services required for the care of transplant patients.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 2.

34-26-50 Applicability.
     34-26-50.   Applicability. Sections 34-26-48 to 34-26-72, inclusive, apply to an anatomical gift or amendment to, revocation of, or refusal to make an anatomical gift, whenever made.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 3.

34-26-51 Who may make anatomical gift before donor's death.
     34-26-51.   Who may make anatomical gift before donor's death. Subject to § 34-26-55, an anatomical gift of a donor's body or part may be made during the life of the donor for the purpose of transplantation, therapy, research, or education in the manner provided in § 34-26-52 by:
             (1)      The donor, if the donor is an adult or if the donor is a minor and is:
             (A)      Emancipated; or
             (B)      Authorized under state law to apply for a driver's license because the donor is at least fourteen years of age, provided, that if the minor is unemancipated, a parent or guardian has consented that the organ donor indicator be placed on the minor's driver license or nondriver identification card;
             (2)      An agent of the donor, unless the power of attorney for health care or other record prohibits the agent from making an anatomical gift;
             (3)      A parent of the donor, if the donor is an unemancipated minor; or
             (4)      The donor's guardian.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 4.

34-26-52 Manner of making anatomical gift before donor's death.
     34-26-52.   Manner of making anatomical gift before donor's death. (a) A donor may make an anatomical gift:
             (1)      By authorizing a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift to be imprinted on the donor's driver's license or identification card;
             (2)      In a will;
             (3)      During a terminal illness or injury of the donor, by any form of communication addressed to at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness; or
             (4)      As provided in subsection (b).
     (b) A donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under § 34-26-51 may make a gift by a donor card or other record signed by the donor or other person making the gift or by authorizing that a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift be included on a donor registry. If the donor or other person is physically unable to sign a record, the record may be signed by another individual at the direction of the donor or other person and must:
             (1)      Be witnessed by at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness, who have signed at the request of the donor or the other person; and
             (2)      State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in paragraph (1).
     (c) Revocation, suspension, expiration, or cancellation of a driver's license or identification card upon which an anatomical gift is indicated does not invalidate the gift.
     (d) An anatomical gift made by will takes effect upon the donor's death whether or not the will is probated. Invalidation of the will after the donor' death does not invalidate the gift.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 5.

34-26-53 Amending or revoking anatomical gift before donor's death.
     34-26-53.   Amending or revoking anatomical gift before donor's death. (a) Subject to § 34-26-55, a donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under § 34-26-51 may amend or revoke an anatomical gift by:
             (1)      A record signed by:
             (A)      The donor;
             (B)      The other person; or
             (C)      Subject to subsection (b), another individual acting at the direction of the donor or the other person if the donor or other person is physically unable to sign; or
             (2)      A later-executed document of gift that amends or revokes a previous anatomical gift or portion of an anatomical gift, either expressly or by inconsistency.
     (b) A record signed pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(C) must:
             (1)      Be witnessed by at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness, who have signed at the request of the donor or the other person; and
             (2)      State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in paragraph (1).
     (c) Subject to § 34-26-55, a donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under § 34-26-51 may revoke an anatomical gift by the destruction or cancellation of the document of gift, or the portion of the document of gift used to make the gift, with the intent to revoke the gift.
     (d) A donor may amend or revoke an anatomical gift that was not made in a will by any form of communication during a terminal illness or injury addressed to at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness.
     (e) A donor who makes an anatomical gift in a will may amend or revoke the gift in the manner provided for amendment or revocation of wills or as provided in subsection (a).

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 6.

34-26-54 Refusal to make anatomical gift--Effect of refusal.
     34-26-54.   Refusal to make anatomical gift--Effect of refusal. (a) An individual may refuse to make an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part by:
             (1)      A record signed by:
             (A)      The individual; or
             (B)      Subject to subsection (b), another individual acting at the direction of the individual if the individual is physically unable to sign;
             (2)      The individual's will, whether or not the will is admitted to probate or invalidated after the individual's death; or
             (3)      Any form of communication made by the individual during the individual's terminal illness or injury addressed to at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness.
     (b) A record signed pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(B) must:
             (1)      Be witnessed by at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness, who have signed at the request of the individual; and
             (2)      State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in paragraph (1).
     (c) An individual who has made a refusal may amend or revoke the refusal:
             (1)      In the manner provided in subsection (a) for making a refusal;
             (2)      By subsequently making an anatomical gift pursuant to § 34-26-52 that is inconsistent with the refusal; or
             (3)      By destroying or canceling the record evidencing the refusal, or the portion of the record used to make the refusal, with the intent to revoke the refusal.
     (d) Except as otherwise provided in § 34-26-55(h), in the absence of an express, contrary indication by the individual set forth in the refusal, an individual's unrevoked refusal to make an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part bars all other persons from making an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 7.

34-26-55 Preclusive effect of anatomical gift, amendment, or revocation.
     34-26-55.   Preclusive effect of anatomical gift, amendment, or revocation. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (g) and subject to subsection (f), in the absence of an express, contrary indication by the donor, a person other than the donor is barred from making, amending, or revoking an anatomical gift of a donor's body or part if the donor made an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under § 34-26-52 or an amendment to an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under § 34-26-53.
     (b) A donor's revocation of an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under § 34-26-53 is not a refusal and does not bar another person specified in § 34-26-51 or 34-26-56 from making an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under § 34-26-52 or 34-26-57.
     (c) If a person other than the donor makes an unrevoked anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under § 34-26-52 or an amendment to an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under § 34-26-53, another person may not make, amend, or revoke the gift of the donor's body or part under § 34-26-57.
     (d) A revocation of an anatomical gift of a donor's body or part under § 34-26-53 by a person other than the donor does not bar another person from making an anatomical gift of the body or part under § 34-26-52 or 34-26-57.
     (e) In the absence of an express, contrary indication by the donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under § 34-26-51, an anatomical gift of a part is neither a refusal to give another part nor a limitation on the making of an anatomical gift of another part at a later time by the donor or another person.
     (f) In the absence of an express, contrary indication by the donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under § 34-26-51, an anatomical gift of a part for one or more of the purposes set forth in § 34-26-51 is not a limitation on the making of an anatomical gift of the part for any of the other purposes by the donor or any other person under § 34-26-52 or 34-26-57.
     (g) If a donor who is an unemancipated minor dies, a parent of the donor who is reasonably available may revoke or amend an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part.
     (h) If an unemancipated minor who signed a refusal dies, a parent of the minor who is reasonably available may revoke the minor's refusal.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 8.

34-26-56 Who may make anatomical gift of decedent's body or part.
     34-26-56.   Who may make anatomical gift of decedent's body or part. (a) Subject to subsections (b) and (c) and unless barred by § 34-26-54 or § 34-26-55, an anatomical gift of a decedent's body or part for purpose of transplantation, therapy, research, or education may be made by any member of the following classes of persons who is reasonably available, in the order of priority listed:
             (1)      An agent of the decedent at the time of death who could have made an anatomical gift under § 34-26-51(2) immediately before the decedent's death;
             (2)      The spouse of the decedent;
             (3)      Adult children of the decedent;
             (4)      Parents of the decedent;
             (5)      Adult siblings of the decedent;
             (6)      Adult grandchildren of the decedent;
             (7)      Grandparents of the decedent;
             (8)      An adult who exhibited special care and concern for the decedent;
             (9)      The persons who were acting as the guardians of the person of the decedent at the time of death; and
             (10)      Any other person having the authority to dispose of the decedent's body.
     (b) If there is more than one member of a class listed in subsection (a) (1), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (9) entitled to make an anatomical gift, an anatomical gift may be made by a member of the class unless that member or a person to which the gift may pass under § 34-26-58 knows of an objection by another member of the class. If an objection is known, the gift may be made only by a majority of the members of the class who are reasonably available.
     (c) A person may not make an anatomical gift if, at the time of the decedent's death, a person in a prior class under subsection (a) is reasonably available to make or to object to the making of an anatomical gift.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 9.

34-26-57 Manner of making, amending, or revoking anatomical gift of decedent's body or part.
     34-26-57.   Manner of making, amending, or revoking anatomical gift of decedent's body or part. (a) A person authorized to make an anatomical gift under § 34-26-56 may make an anatomical gift by a document of gift signed by the person making the gift or by that person's oral communication that is electronically recorded or is contemporaneously reduced to a record and signed by the individual receiving the oral communication.
     (b) Subject to subsection (c), an anatomical gift by a person authorized under § 34-26-56 may be amended or revoked orally or in a record by any member of a prior class who is reasonably available. If more than one member of the prior class is reasonably available, the gift made by a person authorized under § 34-26-56 may be:
             (1)      Amended only if a majority of the reasonably available members agree to the amending of the gift; or
             (2)      Revoked only if a majority of the reasonably available members agree to the revoking of the gift or if they are equally divided as to whether to revoke the gift.
     (c) A revocation under subsection (b) is effective only if, before an incision has been made to remove a part from the donor's body or before invasive procedures have begun to prepare the recipient, the procurement organization, transplant hospital, or physician or technician knows of the revocation.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 10.

34-26-58 Persons who may receive anatomical gift--Purpose of anatomical gift.
     34-26-58.   Persons who may receive anatomical gift--Purpose of anatomical gift. (a) An anatomical gift may be made to the following persons named in the document of gift:
             (1)      A hospital; accredited medical school, dental school, college, or university; organ procurement organization; or other appropriate person, for research or education;
             (2)      Subject to subsection (b), an individual designated by the person making the anatomical gift if the individual is the recipient of the part;
             (3)      An eye bank or tissue bank.
     (b) If an anatomical gift to an individual under subsection (a)(2) cannot be transplanted into the individual, the part passes in accordance with subsection (g) in the absence of an express, contrary indication by the person making the anatomical gift.
     (c) If an anatomical gift of one or more specific parts or of all parts is made in a document of gift that does not name a person described in subsection (a) but identifies the purpose for which an anatomical gift may be used, the following rules apply:
             (1)      If the part is an eye and the gift is for the purpose of transplantation or therapy, the gift passes to the appropriate eye bank.
             (2)      If the part is tissue and the gift is for the purpose of transplantation or therapy, the gift passes to the appropriate tissue bank.
             (3)      If the part is an organ and the gift is for the purpose of transplantation or therapy, the gift passes to the appropriate organ procurement organization as custodian of the organ.
             (4)      If the part is an organ, an eye, or tissue and the gift is for the purpose of research or education, the gift passes to the appropriate procurement organization.
     (d) For the purpose of subsection (c), if there is more than one purpose of an anatomical gift set forth in the document of gift but the purposes are not set forth in any priority, the gift must be used for transplantation or therapy, if suitable. If the gift cannot be used for transplantation or therapy, the gift may be used for research or education.
     (e) If an anatomical gift of one or more specific parts is made in a document of gift that does not name a person described in subsection (a) and does not identify the purpose of the gift, the gift may be used only for transplantation or therapy, and the gift passes in accordance with subsection (g).
     (f) If a document of gift specifies only a general intent to make an anatomical gift by words such as donor, organ donor, or body donor, or by a symbol or statement of similar import, the gift may be used only for transplantation or therapy, and the gift passes in accordance with subsection (g).
     (g) For purposes of subsections (b), (e), and (f) the following rules apply:
             (1)      If the part is an eye, the gift passes to the appropriate eye bank.
             (2)      If the part is tissue, the gift passes to the appropriate tissue bank.
             (3)      If the part is an organ, the gift passes to the appropriate organ procurement organization as custodian of the organ.
     (h) An anatomical gift of an organ for transplantation or therapy, other than an anatomical gift under subsection (a)(2), passes to the organ procurement organization as custodian of the organ.
     (i) If an anatomical gift does not pass pursuant to subsections (a) through (h) or the decedent's body or part is not used for transplantation, therapy, research, or education, custody of the body or part passes to the person under obligation to dispose of the body or part.
     (j) A person may not accept an anatomical gift if the person knows that the gift was not effectively made under § 34-26-52 or 34-26-57 or if the person knows that the decedent made a refusal under § 34-26-54 that was not revoked. For purposes of the subsection, if a person knows that an anatomical gift was made on a document of gift, the person is deemed to know of any amendment or revocation of the gift or any refusal to make an anatomical gift on the same document of gift.
     (k) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (a)(2), nothing in §§ 34-26-48 to 34-26-72, inclusive, affects the allocation of organs for transplantation or therapy.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 11.

34-26-59 Search and notification.
     34-26-59.   Search and notification. (a) The following persons shall make a reasonable search of an individual who the person reasonably believes is dead or near death for a document of gift or other information identifying the individual as a donor or as an individual who made a refusal:
             (1)      A law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, or other emergency rescuer finding the individual; and
             (2)      If no other source of the information is immediately available, a hospital, as soon as practical after the individual's arrival at the hospital.
     (b) If a document of gift or a refusal to make an anatomical gift is located by the search required by subsection (a)(1) and the individual or deceased individual to whom it relates is taken to a hospital, the person responsible for conducting the search shall send the document of gift or refusal to the hospital.
     (c) A person is not subject to criminal or civil liability for failing to discharge the duties imposed by this section.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 12.

34-26-60 Delivery of document of gift not required--Right to examine.
     34-26-60.   Delivery of document of gift not required--Right to examine. (a) A document of gift need not be delivered during the donor's lifetime to be effective.
     (b) Upon or after an individual's death, a person in possession of a document of gift or a refusal to make an anatomical gift with respect to the individual shall allow examination and copying of the document of gift or refusal by a person authorized to make or object to the making of an anatomical gift with respect to the individual or by a person to which the gift could pass under § 34-26-58.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 13.

34-26-61 Rights and duties of procurement organization and others.
     34-26-61.   Rights and duties of procurement organization and others. (a) When a hospital refers an individual at or near death to a procurement organization, the organization shall make a reasonable search of the records of the Department of Public Safety and any donor registry that it knows exists for the geographical area in which the individual resides to ascertain whether the individual has made an anatomical gift.
     (b) A procurement organization must be allowed reasonable access to information in the records of the Department of Public Safety to ascertain whether an individual at or near death is a donor.
     (c) When a hospital refers an individual at or near death to a procurement organization, the organization may conduct any reasonable examination necessary to ensure the medical suitability of a part that is or could be the subject of an anatomical gift for transplantation, therapy, research, or education from a donor or a prospective donor. During the examination period, measures necessary to ensure the medical suitability of the part may not be withdrawn unless the hospital or procurement organization knows that the individual expressed a contrary intent.
     (d) Unless prohibited by law other than §§ 34-26-48 to 34-26-72, inclusive, at any time after a donor's death, the person to which a part passes under § 34-26-58 may conduct any reasonable examination necessary to ensure the medical suitability of the body or part for its intended purpose.
     (e) Unless prohibited by law other than §§ 34-26-48 to 34-26-72, inclusive, an examination under subsection (c) or (d) may include an examination of all medical and dental records of the donor or prospective donor.
     (f) 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.
     (g) Upon referral by a hospital under subsection (a), a procurement organization shall make a reasonable search for any person listed in § 34-26-56 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.
     (h) Subject to §§ 34-26-58(i) and 34-26-70, the rights of the person to which a part passes under § 34-26-58 are superior to the rights of all others with respect to the part. The person may accept or reject an anatomical gift in whole or in part. Subject to the terms of the document of gift and §§ 34-26-48 to 34-26-72, inclusive, a person that accepts an anatomical gift of an entire body may allow embalming, burial or cremation, and use of remains in a funeral service. If the gift is of a part, the person to which the part passes under § 34-26-58, upon the death of the donor and before embalming, burial, or cremation, shall cause the part to be removed without unnecessary mutilation.
     (i) Neither the physician who attends the decedent at death nor the physician who determines the time of the decedent's death may participate in the procedures for removing or transplanting a part from the decedent.
     (j) A physician or technician may remove a donated part from the body of a donor that the physician or technician is qualified to remove.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 14.

34-26-62 Coordination of procurement and use.
     34-26-62.   Coordination of procurement and use. Each hospital in this state shall enter into agreements or affiliations with procurement organizations for coordination of procurement and use of anatomical gifts.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 15.

34-26-63 Sale or purchase of parts prohibited.
     34-26-63.   Sale or purchase of parts prohibited. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), a person that for valuable consideration, knowingly purchases or sells a part for transplantation or therapy if removal of a part from an individual is intended to occur after the individual's death commits a Class 5 felony.
     (b) A person may charge a reasonable amount for the removal, processing, preservation, quality control, storage, transportation, implantation, or disposal of a part.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 16.

34-26-64 Other prohibited acts.
     34-26-64.   Other prohibited acts. A person that, in order to obtain a financial gain, intentionally falsifies, forges, conceals, defaces, or obliterates a document of gift, an amendment or revocation of a document of gift, or a refusal commits a Class 5 felony.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 17.

34-26-65 Immunity.
     34-26-65.   Immunity. (a) A person that acts in accordance with §§ 34-26-48 to 34-26-72, inclusive, or with the applicable anatomical gift law of another state, or attempts in good faith to do so, is not liable for the act in a civil action, criminal prosecution, or administrative proceeding.
     (b) Neither the person making an anatomical gift nor the donor's estate is liable for any injury or damage that results from the making or use of the gift.
     (c) In determining whether an anatomical gift has been made, amended, or revoked under §§ 34-26-48 to 34-26-72, inclusive, a person may rely upon representations of an individual listed in § 34-26-56(a)(2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) relating to the individual's relationship to the donor or prospective donor unless the person knows that the representation is untrue.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 18.

34-26-66 Law governing validity--Choice of law as to execution of document of gift--Presumption of ...
     34-26-66.   Law governing validity--Choice of law as to execution of document of gift--Presumption of validity. (a) A document of gift is valid if executed in accordance with:
             (1)      Sections 34-26-48 to 34-26-72, inclusive;
             (2)      The laws of the state or country where it was executed; or
             (3)      The laws of the state or country where the person making the anatomical gift was domiciled, has a place of residence, or was a national at the time the document of gift was executed.
     (b) If a document of gift is valid under this section, the law of this state governs the interpretation of the document of gift.
     (c) A person may presume that a document of gift or amendment of an anatomical gift is valid unless that person knows that it was not validly executed or was revoked.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 19.

34-26-67 Donor registry.
     34-26-67.   Donor registry. (a) The Department of Public Safety may establish or contract for the establishment of a donor registry.
     (b) The Department of Public Safety shall cooperate with a person that administers any donor registry that this state establishes, contracts for, or recognizes for the purpose of transferring to the donor registry all relevant information regarding a donor's making, amendment to, or revocation of an anatomical gift.
     (c) A donor registry must:
             (1)      Allow a donor or other person authorized under § 34-26-51 to include on the donor registry a statement or symbol that the donor has made, amended, or revoked an anatomical gift;
             (2)      Be accessible to a procurement organization to allow it to obtain relevant information on the donor registry to determine, at or near death of the donor or a prospective donor, whether the donor or prospective donor has made, amended, or revoked an anatomical gift; and
             (3)      Be accessible for purposes of paragraph (2) seven days a week on a twenty-four hour basis.
     (d) Personally identifiable information on a donor registry about a donor or prospective donor may not be used or disclosed without the express consent of the donor, prospective donor, or person that made the anatomical gift for any purpose other than to determine, at or near death of the donor or prospective donor, whether the donor or prospective donor has made, amended, or revoked an anatomical gift.
     (e) This section does not prohibit any person from creating or maintaining a donor registry that is not established by or under contract with the state. Any such registry must comply with subsections (c) and (d).

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 20.

34-26-68 Effect of anatomical gift on advance health care directive.
     34-26-68.   Effect of anatomical gift on advance health care directive. (a) In this section:
             (1)      "Advance health care directive" means a power of attorney for health care or a record signed by a prospective donor containing the prospective donor's direction concerning a health care decision for the prospective donor.
             (2)      "Declaration" means a record signed by a prospective donor specifying the circumstances under which a life support system may be withheld or withdrawn from the prospective donor.
             (3)      "Health care decision" means any decision made regarding the health care of the prospective donor.
     (b) If a prospective donor has a declaration or advance health care directive, measures necessary to ensure the medical suitability of an organ for transplantation or therapy may not be withheld or withdrawn from the prospective donor, unless the declaration expressly provides to the contrary.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 21.

34-26-69 Cooperation between coroner and procurement organization.
     34-26-69.   Cooperation between coroner and procurement organization. (a) A coroner shall cooperate with procurement organizations to maximize the opportunity to recover anatomical gifts for the purpose of transplantation, therapy, research, or education.
     (b) If a coroner receives notice from a procurement organization that an anatomical gift might be available or was made with respect to a decedent whose body is under the jurisdiction of the coroner and a post-mortem examination is going to be performed, unless the coroner denies recovery in accordance with § 34-26-70, the coroner or designee shall conduct a post-mortem examination of the body or the part in a manner and within a period compatible with its preservation for the purposes of the gift.
     (c) A part may not be removed from the body of a decedent under the jurisdiction of a coroner for transplantation, therapy, research, or education unless the part is the subject of an anatomical gift. The body of a decedent under the jurisdiction of the coroner may not be delivered to a person for research or education unless the body is the subject of an anatomical gift. This subsection does not preclude a coroner from performing the medicolegal investigation upon the body or parts of a decedent under the jurisdiction of the coroner.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 22.

34-26-70 Facilitation of anatomical gift from decedent whose body is under jurisdiction of coroner....
     34-26-70.   Facilitation of anatomical gift from decedent whose body is under jurisdiction of coroner. (a) Upon request of a procurement organization, a coroner shall release to the procurement organization the name, contact information, and available medical and social history of a decedent whose body is under the jurisdiction of the coroner. If the decedent's body or part is medically suitable for transplantation, therapy, research, or education, the coroner shall release post-mortem examination results to the procurement organization. The procurement organization may make a subsequent disclosure of the post-mortem examination results or other information received from the coroner only if relevant to transplantation or therapy.
     (b) The coroner may conduct a medicolegal examination by reviewing all medical records, laboratory test results, X rays, other diagnostic results, and other information that any person possesses about a donor or prospective donor whose body is under the jurisdiction of the coroner which the coroner determines may be relevant to the investigation.
     (c) A person that has any information requested by a coroner pursuant to subsection (b) shall provide that information as expeditiously as possible to allow the coroner to conduct the medicolegal investigation within a period compatible with the preservation of parts for the purpose of transplantation, therapy, research, or education.
     (d) If an anatomical gift has been or might be made of a part of a decedent whose body is under the jurisdiction of the coroner and a post- mortem examination is not required, or the coroner determines that a post- mortem examination is required but that the recovery of the part that is the subject of an anatomical gift will not interfere with the examination, the coroner and procurement organization shall cooperate in the timely removal of the part from the decedent for the purpose of transplantation, therapy, research, or education.
     (e) If an anatomical gift of a part from the decedent under the jurisdiction of the coroner has been or might be made, but the coroner initially believes that the recovery of the part could interfere with the post-mortem investigation into the decedent's cause or manner of death, the coroner shall consult with the procurement organization or physician or technician designated by the procurement organization about the proposed recovery. After consultation, the coroner may allow the recovery.
     (f) Following the consultation under subsection (e), in the absence of mutually agreed upon protocols to resolve conflict between the coroner and the procurement organization, if the coroner intends to deny recovery of an organ for transplantation, the coroner or designee, at the request of the procurement organization, shall attend the removal procedure for the part before making a final determination not to allow the procurement organization to recover the part. During the removal procedure, the coroner or designee may allow recovery by the procurement organization to proceed, or, if the coroner or designee reasonably believes that the part may be involved in determining the decedent's cause or manner of death, deny recovery by the procurement organization.
     (g) If the coroner or designee denies recovery under subsection (f), the coroner or designee shall:
             (1)      Explain in a record the specific reasons for not allowing recovery of the part;
             (2)      Include the specific reasons in the records of the coroner; and
             (3)      Provide a record with the specific reasons to the procurement organization.
     (h) If the coroner or designee allows recovery of a part under subsection (d), (e), or (f), the procurement organization, upon request, shall cause the physician or technician who removes the part to provide the coroner with a record describing the condition of the part, a biopsy, a photograph, and any other information and observations that would assist in the post-mortem examination.
     (i) If a coroner or designee is required to be present at a removal procedure under subsection (f), upon request the procurement organization requesting the recovery of the part shall reimburse the coroner or designee for the additional costs incurred in complying with subsection (f).

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 23.

34-26-71 Uniformity of application and construction.
     34-26-71.   Uniformity of application and construction. In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 24.

34-26-72 Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.
     34-26-72.   Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. Sections 34-26-48 to 34-26-72, inclusive, modify, limit, and supersede the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. section 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit or supersede section 101(a) of that act, 15 U.S.C. section 7001, or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C. section 7003(b).

Source: SL 2007, ch 197, § 25.

Title 34