2006 Kentucky Revised Statutes - .225   Rights and duties at death.

311.225 Rights and duties at death. (1) The donee may accept or reject the gift, but shall not offer remuneration for the gift. If the donee accepts a gift of the entire body, he may, subject to the terms of the gift, authorize embalming and the use of the body in funeral services. If the gift is of a part of the body, the donee, upon the death of the donor and prior to embalming, shall cause the part to be removed without unnecessary mutilation. After removal of the part, custody of the remainder of the body vests in the surviving spouse, next of kin, or other persons under obligation to dispose of the body. (2) The time of death shall be determined by a physician who tends the donor at his death, or, if none, the physician who certifies the death. The physician shall not participate in the procedures for removing or transplanting a part. (3) A person who acts in good faith in accord with the terms of KRS 311.165 to 311.235 or with the anatomical gift laws of another state is not liable for damages in any civil action or subject to prosecution in any criminal proceeding for his act. (4) The provisions of KRS 311.165 to 311.235 are subject to the laws of this state prescribing powers and duties with respect to autopsies. Effective: July 14, 1992 History: Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 447, sec. 4, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 7, effective June 18, 1970.