The 1981 Uniform Determination of Death Act is a model statute defining “brain death.” Versions of this Act have been adopted in 39 states and the District of Columbia. The act states that an individual who has sustained either (a) irreversible cessation of circulatory or respiratory functions or (b) irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem, is dead. A determination of death must be made in accordance with accepted medical standards. (OPTN Glossary May 2021)
Glossary Term