Tennessee § 68-3-501 - Uniform Determination of Death Act.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-501 — Uniform Determination of Death Act., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 68-3-501. Uniform Determination of Death Act.
This section may be cited as the “Uniform Determination of Death Act.” An individual who has sustained either: Irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions; or 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. This section shall be applied and construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this section among states enacting it. Acts 1976, ch. 780, § 1; 1982, ch. 763, §§ 1-4; T.C.A., § 53-459. Cross-References. Disposition of dead bodies, title 68, ch. 4. Textbooks. Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates (4th ed., Phillips and Robinson), § 918. Law Reviews. Termination of Life Support Systems for Minor Children: Evolving Legal Responses (John M. Scheb), 54 Tenn. L. Rev. 1 (1986). Cited: State v. Brobeck, 751 S.W.2d 828, 1988 Tenn. LEXIS 96, 76 A.L.R.4th 1137 (Tenn. 1988). Collateral References. Judicial power to order discontinuance of life-sustaining treatment. 48 A.L.R.4th 67. Tests of death for organ transplant purposes. 76 A.L.R.3d 913.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 68-3-501
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-501 cover?
Section 68-3-501 ("Uniform Determination of Death Act.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 68-3-501?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-501" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 68-3-501 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.