“Uniform Determination of Death” Act

1. “Uniform Determination of Death” Act In the 1980s the “Uniform Determination of Death Act” was approved by: • American Bar Association • American Medical Association • Uniform Law Commissioners • American Academy of Neurology

2. “Uniform Determination of Death” Act • This law was adopted by a number of states and, in essence, says: • An individual, who has sustained either (1) irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions, or (2) irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem, is dead.

3. “Uniform Determination of Death” Act Washington State has not enacted legislation regarding determination of death, nor has it legislatively adopted the Uniform Determination of Death Act. However, the Washington Supreme Court has adopted the Uniform Determination of Death Act. That act provides that a person is dead if there is either irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory function or irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem. Such determination is to be made in accordance with acceptable medical standards.

4. Terms to Understanding “Cardiac Death” An irreversible loss of all cardiac function. A “cardiac death” is considered a “legal death”. The terms cardiac and cardiopulmonary are interchangeable as a legal definition.

5. Terms to Understanding “Brain Death” (irreversible coma) The individual is in a “persistent vegetative state” as evidenced by (1) unresponsiveness to external stimuli, (2) no spontaneous movements or breathing, (3) no reflexes (4) fixed dilated pupils and (5) lack of deep tendon reflexes.

6. Terms to Understanding “Persistent Vegetative State” An irreversible brain condition in which the patient is in a state of deep unconsciousness.

7. Terms to Understanding “Terminally Ill” Death is inevitable, usually within six months or less. Each State may define in statutory language.

8. Terms to Understanding “Stages of Dying” Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance

9. Terms to Understanding “Measures of Quality of Life” General health, Physical functioning, Role limitations (such as within the family structure), Pain, Social function, Vitality, and Mental Health

10. Terms to Understanding “Hospice” • Motto is “Death with Dignity” • Focus on Comfort • Focus on Emotional support • Focus on Proper Pain Management • Focus on Spiritual Care • Focus on caring for family members

11. Terms to Understanding “Palliative Care” • Focus on Total Comfort of Patient • Relief from pain and suffering • Frequent turning and bathing • Gentle massage • Providing oral fluids • Listening to the patient • Is the opposite of “Curative care” philosophy

12. Terms to Understanding “Withdrawing life-sustaining treatment” Means to discontinue it after it has been started.

13. Terms to Understanding “Withholding life-sustaining treatment” Means to never start life- sustaining treatment at all.

14. Increase your awareness! Families may use different terms in coping with the “death” of a loved one, including: • “passed away” • “passed on” • “has departed” • “has left this world” • “has gone to a better place”

15. Hospice video http://www.youtube.com/user/providencewashington