Health care professionals must follow very strict guidelines before death can be
and complete cessation of all
the medical history and performs a series of physical exams and tests to determine if
the brain is no longer working. When the brain is no longer working but the heart is
still beating, the condition is termed brain death. When brain death is declared, it
means the person has died.
This means the brain is no longer
working in any capacity and
never will again.
kidneys, liver, will still work for a
Potential donors are screened for communicable diseases, such as HIV and
machine is left in place.
arrangements, nor does it disfigure the body. An open-casket funeral is still
possible following organ and tissue donation.
licenses. But permission of next of kin was still needed for the donation to take place. In 2007, the legislature rewrote
after their death will now have more assurance that their wishes will be respected. For years, NC organ donors have
been able to have a red heart placed of their drivers license to indicate their intent. Effective October 1, 2007 a donors'
intent will be legally binding, meaning that, theoretically at least, family members cannot override a donor's decision.
member’s views and feelings about organ and tissue donation. It is essential to explain to the members of your family
others through donation could be a comfort to your family in the event of your death. All major religions support
donation.