Section 5-202 - Cessation of circulatory and respiratory or brain functions. - Maryland Statutes

§ 5-202. Cessation of circulatory and respiratory or brain functions.
 

(a)  Determination of death.- An individual is dead if, based on ordinary standards of medical practice, the individual has sustained either: 

(1) Irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions; or 

(2) Irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem. 

(b)  Removal of organ.-  

(1) This subsection does not apply to the removal of a vital organ while the individual is alive, if the individual gives informed consent to the removal. 

(2) A pronouncement of death under this section shall be made before any vital organ is removed for transplantation. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 43, § 54F; 1982, ch. 21, § 2; ch. 327; 1983, ch. 583, § 2; 1998, chs. 1, 2.]