2005 Arizona Revised Statutes - Revised Statutes §36-844  County medical examiners; authorization

A. The medical examiner may release and permit the removal of a part from a body within that official's custody for transplantation, therapy or research if:

1. The examiner has received a request for the part from a hospital, physician, surgeon or organ procurement agency.

2. The examiner or organ procurement agency has made a reasonable effort, taking into account the useful life of the part, to locate and examine the decedent's medical records and, if the decedent has not executed a document of gift or has not refused to make an anatomical gift, inform persons listed in section 36-843, subsection A of the person's option to make or object to making an anatomical gift.

3. The official does not know of a refusal by the decedent or an objection by a person having priority to act as listed in section 36-843, subsection A.

4. The removal will be by a physician, surgeon or trained technician.

5. The removal will not interfere with any autopsy or investigation.

6. The removal will be in accordance with accepted medical standards.

7. Cosmetic restoration will be done, if appropriate.

B. If the body is not within the custody of the medical examiner, the county health officer may release and permit the removal of any part from the body in the county health officer's custody for transplantation, therapy or research if the requirements of subsection A of this section are met.

C. An official who releases and permits the removal of a part shall maintain a permanent record of the name of the decedent, the person making the request, the date and purpose of the request, the part requested and the person to whom it was released.