194.005. Death, legal definition. - Missouri Statutes

Death, legal definition.

194.005. For all legal purposes, the occurrence of humandeath shall be determined in accordance with the usual andcustomary standards of medical practice, provided that deathshall not be determined to have occurred unless the followingminimal conditions have been met:

(1) When respiration and circulation are not artificiallymaintained, there is an irreversible cessation of spontaneousrespiration and circulation; or

(2) When respiration and circulation are artificiallymaintained, and there is a total and irreversible cessation ofall brain function, including the brain stem and that suchdetermination is made by a licensed physician.

(L. 1982 H.B. 1223 § 1)