71-4813 Eye tissue; pituitary gland; removal; when authorized. - Nebraska Statutes

71-4813. Eye tissue;pituitary gland; removal; when authorized.(1) When an autopsy is performedby the physician authorized by the county coroner to perform such autopsy,the physician or an appropriately qualified designee with training in ophthalmologictechniques, as provided for in subsection (2) of this section, may remove eye tissueof the decedent for the purpose of transplantation. The physician may alsoremove the pituitary gland for the purpose of research and treatment of hypopituitarydwarfism and of other growth disorders. Removal of the eye tissue or the pituitarygland shall only take place if the:(a) Autopsy was authorizedby the county coroner;(b) County coroner receivespermission from the person having control of the disposition of the decedent'sremains pursuant to section 38-1425; and(c) Removal of eye tissueor of the pituitary gland will not interfere with the course of any subsequentinvestigation or alter the decedent's post mortem facial appearance.(2) An appropriatelyqualified designee of a physician with training in ophthalmologic techniquesor a funeral director and embalmer licensed pursuant to the Funeral Directingand Embalming Practice Act upon (a) successfully completing a course in eyeenucleation and (b) receiving a certificate of competence from the Departmentof Ophthalmology of the University of Nebraska Medical Center may enucleatethe eyes of the donor.(3) The removed eye tissue or pituitary glandshall be transported to the Department of Health and Human Services or anydesired institution or health facility as prescribed by section 38-1427. SourceLaws 1983, LB 60, § 1; Laws 1985, LB 130, § 2; Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 683; Laws 2007, LB296, § 599; Laws 2007, LB463, § 1220; Laws 2010, LB1036, § 36.Operative Date: January 1, 2011 Cross ReferencesFuneral Directing and Embalming Practice Act, see section 38-1401.