71-4813. Eye tissue; pituitary gland; removal; when authorized.

(1) When an autopsy is performed by the physician authorized by the county coroner to perform such autopsy, the physician or an appropriately qualified designee with training in ophthalmologic techniques, as provided for in subsection (2) of this section, may remove eye tissue of the decedent for the purpose of transplantation. The physician may also remove the pituitary gland for the purpose of research and treatment of hypopituitary dwarfism and of other growth disorders. Removal of the eye tissue or the pituitary gland shall only take place if the:

(a) Autopsy was authorized by the county coroner;

(b) County coroner receives permission from the person having control of the disposition of the decedent's remains pursuant to section 30-2223; and

(c) Removal of eye tissue or of the pituitary gland will not interfere with the course of any subsequent investigation or alter the decedent's post mortem facial appearance.

(2) An appropriately qualified designee of a physician with training in ophthalmologic techniques or a funeral director and embalmer licensed pursuant to the Funeral Directing and Embalming Practice Act upon (a) successfully completing a course in eye enucleation and (b) receiving a certificate of competence from the Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Nebraska Medical Center may enucleate the eyes of the donor.

(3) The removed eye tissue or pituitary gland shall be transported to the Department of Health and Human Services or any desired institution or health facility as prescribed by section 38-1427.

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