Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 194

in effect

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.005 Death, legal definition.

194.005. Death, legal definition. — For all legal purposes, the occurrence of human death shall be determined in accordance with the usual and customary standards of medical practice, provided that death shall not be determined to have occurred unless the following minimal conditions have been met: (1) When respiration and circulation are not artificially maintained, there is an irreversible cessation of spontaneous respiration and circulation; or (2) When respiration and circulation are artificially maintained, and there is a total and irreversible cessation of all brain function, including the brain stem and that such determination is made by a licensed physician. (L. 1982 H.B. 1223 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.010 Shipment by common carrier, rules.

194.010. Shipment by common carrier, rules. — The department of health and senior services shall issue regulations setting forth health and safety requirements for transporting dead human bodies that are placed on common carriers in the state of Missouri. (RSMo 1939 § 9788, A.L. 2023 S.B. 116) Prior revisions: 1929 § 9067; 1919 § 5823; 1909 § 6691

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.105 Disinterment for transport to location outside original cemetery - notice, ...

194.105. Disinterment for transport to location outside original cemetery — notice, to whom. — In addition to any records filed pursuant to chapter 193 , any person or owner or operator of any cemetery which removes any body which has been properly buried or interred for transportation to a location outside the original cemetery shall, prior to such disinterment, file notice with the county coroner or county medical examiner. (L. 1989 S.B. 389, A.L. 1990 H.B. 1079, A.L. 2023 S.B. 116)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.115 Autopsy - consent required - penalty for violation - availability of ...

194.115. Autopsy — consent required — penalty for violation — availability of report, to whom. — 1. Except when ordered or directed by a public officer, court of record or agency authorized by law to order an autopsy or postmortem examination, it is unlawful for any licensed physician and surgeon to perform an autopsy or postmortem examination upon the remains of any person without the consent of one of the following: (1) The deceased, if in writing, and duly signed and acknowledged prior to his death; or (2) A person designated by the deceased in a durable power of attorney that expressly refers to the giving of consent to an autopsy or postmortem examination; or (3) The surviving spouse; or (4) If the surviving spouse through injury, illness or mental capacity is incapable of giving his or her consent, or if the surviving spouse is unknown, or his or her address unknown or beyond the boundaries of the United States, or if he or she has been separated and living apart from the deceased, or if there is no surviving spouse, then any surviving child, parent, brother or sister, in the order named; or (5) If no surviving child, parent, brother or sister can be contacted by telephone or telegraph, then any other relative, by blood or marriage; or (6) If there are no relatives who assume the right to control the disposition of the remains, then any person, friend or friends who assume such responsibility. 2. If an individual through injury, illness, or mental capacity is incapable of giving consent prior to his or her death as contemplated by subdivision (1) of subsection 1 of this section, then any child, parent, brother or sister of said individual may petition the court to order that an autopsy or postmortem examination shall be performed upon the remains of said individual following his or her passing. 3. If the surviving spouse, child, parent, brother or sister hereinabove mentioned is under the age of twenty-one years, but over the age of sixteen years, such minor shall be deemed of age for the purpose of granting the consent hereinabove required. 4. Any licensed physician and surgeon performing an autopsy or postmortem examination with the consent of any of the persons enumerated in subsection 1 of this section shall use his judgment as to the scope and extent to be performed, and shall be in no way liable for such action. 5. It is unlawful for any licensed physician, unless specifically authorized by law, to hold a postmortem examination on any unclaimed dead without the consent required by section 194.170 . 6. Any person not a licensed physician performing an autopsy or any licensed physician performing an autopsy without the authorization herein required shall upon conviction be adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor, and subject to the penalty provided for in section 194.180 . 7. If an autopsy is performed on a deceased patient and an autopsy report is prepared, such report shall be made available upon request to the personal representative or administrator of the estate of the deceased, the surviving spouse, any surviving child, parent, brother or sister of the deceased. (L. 1953 p. 629 § 1, A.L. 1961 p. 514, A.L. 1989 H.B. 145, A.L. 2001 S.B. 267, A.L. 2011 S.B. 213)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.117 Sudden infant death - notification - autopsy by certified child death ...

194.117. Sudden infant death — notification — autopsy by certified child death pathologist required, procedure, release to parents or guardian — cost, how paid — department of health and senior services duties — rules and regulations. — Any person who discovers the dead body of, or acquires the first knowledge of the death of, any child under the age of one year and over the age of one week, where the child died suddenly when in apparent good health, shall immediately notify the county coroner or medical examiner of the known facts concerning the time, place, manner, and circumstances of the death. All such deaths shall be autopsied by a certified child death pathologist. The coroner or medical examiner shall notify the parent or guardian of the child that an autopsy shall be performed at the expense of the state. The department of health and senior services shall receive prompt notification of such autopsy results. The results from the autopsy shall be reduced to writing and delivered to the state department of health and senior services. The term "sudden infant death syndrome" shall be entered on the death certificate as the principal cause of death where the term is appropriately descriptive of the circumstances surrounding the death of the child. The cost of the autopsy and transportation of the body shall be paid by the department of health and senior services, and the department shall pay, out of appropriations made for that purpose, as a reimbursement to the certified child death pathologist such costs that are within the limitation of maximum rates established by the rules and regulations of the department. Autopsies under this section shall be performed by pathologists deemed qualified to perform autopsies by the department of health and senior services and who agree to perform the autopsy according to protocols developed pursuant to section 210.196 . The certified child death pathologist shall ensure that a tangible summary of the autopsy results is provided to the parents or guardian of the child and shall provide informational material on the subject of sudden infant death syndrome to the family within one week after the autopsy is performed. A form letter developed by the department of health and senior services shall include a statement informing the parents or guardian of the right to receive the full autopsy results in cases of suspected sudden infant death syndrome. The certified child death pathologist shall, upon request by the parents or guardian, release the full autopsy results to the parents, guardian or family physician in cases of suspected sudden infant death syndrome within thirty days of such request. The tangible summary and full autopsy report shall be provided at no cost to the parents or guardian. The director of the department of health and senior services shall prescribe reasonable rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, including the establishment of a cost schedule and standards for reimbursement of costs of autopsies performed pursuant to the provisions of this section. The provisions of this section shall not be construed so as to limit, restrict or otherwise affect any power, authority, duty or responsibility imposed by any other provision of law upon any coroner or medical examiner. The department of health and senior services may receive grants of money or other aid from federal and other public and private agencies or individuals for the administration or funding of this section or any portion thereof or for research to determine the cause and prevention of deaths caused by sudden infant death syndrome. (L. 1978 S.B. 765 § 1, A.L. 1991 H.B. 185, A.L. 1993 S.B. 253 merged with S.B. 394, A.L. 1999 S.B. 25)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.119 Right of sepulcher, the right to choose and control final disposition of a ...

194.119. Right of sepulcher, the right to choose and control final disposition of a dead human body. — 1. As used in this section, the term "right of sepulcher" means the right to choose and control the burial, cremation, or other final disposition of a dead human body. 2. For purposes of this chapter and chapters 193 , 333 , and 436 , and in all cases relating to the custody, control, and disposition of deceased human remains, including the common law right of sepulcher, where not otherwise defined, the term "next-of-kin" means the following persons in the priority listed if such person is eighteen years of age or older, is mentally competent, and is willing to assume responsibility for the costs of disposition: (1) An attorney in fact designated in a durable power of attorney wherein the deceased specifically granted the right of sepulcher over his or her body to such attorney in fact; (2) For a decedent who was on active duty in the United States military at the time of death, the person designated by such decedent in the written instrument known as the United States Department of Defense Form 93, Record of Emergency Data, in accordance with 10 U.S.C. Section 1482; (3) The surviving spouse, unless an action for the dissolution of the marriage has been filed and is pending in a court of competent jurisdiction; (4) Any surviving child of the deceased. If a surviving child is less than eighteen years of age and has a legal or natural guardian, such child shall not be disqualified on the basis of the child's age and such child's legal or natural guardian, if any, shall be entitled to serve in the place of the child unless such child's legal or natural guardian was subject to an action in dissolution from the deceased. In such event the person or persons who may serve as next-of-kin shall serve in the order provided in subdivisions (5) to (9) of this subsection; (5) (a) If the deceased is not a minor, any surviving parent of the deceased; or (b) If the deceased is a minor with a court-appointed guardian, the court-appointed guardian at the time of the minor's death if the court specifically granted the right of sepulcher to the guardian unless the guardianship has been terminated under section 475.083 , not including subdivision (5) of subsection 1 of section 475.083 ; (c) If the deceased is a minor without a court-appointed guardian who was granted the right of sepulcher, a surviving parent who has custody of the minor; or (d) If the deceased is a minor without a court-appointed guardian who was granted the right of sepulcher and the deceased's parents have joint custody, the parent whose residence is the minor child's residence for purposes of mailing and education; (6) Any surviving sibling of the deceased; (7) The next nearest surviving relative of the deceased by consanguinity or affinity; (8) Any person or friend who assumes financial responsibility for the disposition of the deceased's remains if no next-of-kin assumes such responsibility; (9) The county coroner or medical examiner; provided however that such assumption of responsibility shall not make the coroner, medical examiner, the county, or the state financially responsible for the cost of disposition. 3. The next-of-kin of the deceased shall be entitled to control the final disposition of the remains of any dead human being consistent with all applicable laws, including all applicable health codes. The next-of-kin may delegate the control of the final disposition of the remains of any dead human being to an agent through either a specific or general grant of power in accordance with section 404.710 if, at the time of delegation, the next-of-kin was eighteen years of age or older and mentally competent and the principal or agent is taking financial responsibility for the disposition. 4. A funeral director or establishment is entitled to rely on and act according to the lawful instructions of any person claiming to be the next-of-kin of the deceased; provided however, in any civil cause of action against a funeral director or establishment licensed pursuant to this chapter for actions taken regarding the funeral arrangements for a deceased person in the director's or establishment's care, the relative fault, if any, of such funeral director or establishment may be reduced if such actions are taken in reliance upon a person's claim to be the deceased person's next-of-kin. 5. Any person who desires to exercise the right of sepulcher and who has knowledge of an individual or individuals with a superior right to control disposition shall notify such individual or individuals prior to making final arrangements. 6. If an individual with a superior claim is notified in person or by written notice with delivery confirmation to such person's last known address by a person with an inferior claim that such person desires to exercise the right of sepulcher and the individual so served does not object within forty-eight hours of such notice, such individual shall be deemed to have waived such right. An individual with a superior right may also waive such right at any time if such waiver is in writing and dated. 7. If there is more than one person in a class who are equal in priority and the funeral director has no knowledge of any objection by other members of such class, the funeral director or establishment shall be entitled to rely on and act according to the instructions of the first such person in the class to make arrangements; provided that such person assumes responsibility for the costs of disposition and no other person in such class provides written notice of his or her objection. If the funeral director has knowledge that there is more than one person in a class who are equal in priority and who do not agree on the disposition, the decision of the majority of the members of such class shall control the disposition. 8. For purposes of conducting a majority vote under subsection 7 of this section, the funeral director shall allow voting by proxy using a written authorization or instrument. 9. Religious, cultural, family, and individual beliefs of the deceased person shall be considered by the next of kin when disposing of any human remains. (L. 2003 H.B. 394, A.L. 2008 S.B. 788 merged with S.B. 1139, A.L. 2010 H.B. 1524 & 2260, A.L. 2015 H.B. 618, A.L. 2023 S.B. 116, A.L. 2026 H.B. 1696) Severability clause, see § 1.1002

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.120 Missouri state anatomical board - members - responsibilities.

194.120. Missouri state anatomical board — members — responsibilities. — 1. That the heads of departments of anatomy, professors and associate professors of anatomy at the educational institutions of the state of Missouri which are now or may hereafter become incorporated, and in which said educational institutions human anatomy is investigated or taught to students in attendance at said educational institutions, shall be and hereby are constituted the "Missouri State Anatomical Board", herein referred to in sections 194.120 to 194.180 as "the board". 2. The board shall have exclusive charge and control of the disposal and delivery of dead human bodies, as described in sections 194.120 to 194.180 , to and among such educational institutions as under the provisions of said sections are entitled thereto. 3. The secretary of the board shall keep an accurate record of all bodies received and distributed by the board, showing the dates of receipt and distribution, the sources from which they came to the board, and the name and address of the educational institutions to which the same were sent, which record shall be at all times open to the inspection of each member of the board and of any prosecuting attorney or circuit attorney of any county or city within the state of Missouri. (RSMo 1939 § 9998) Prior revisions: 1929 § 9128; 1919 § 7343; 1909 § 8324 CROSS REFERENCE: Board transferred to department of higher education and workforce development by the Reorganization Act of 1974. See section 173.005 .

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.130 Meetings of board - organization - funds.

194.130. Meetings of board — organization — funds. — 1. Each educational institution entitled by sections 194.120 to 194.180 to receive dead human bodies shall have, through its representatives in attendance at the regular or called meetings of the board, one vote and no more on any and all matters voted upon. There shall be at least one regular meeting each year, held at such time and place as the board may decide. 2. The board shall adopt its own bylaws, elect or otherwise designate or select its own officers and agents, and determine their compensation. 3. Each educational institution accepting the provisions of sections 194.120 to 194.180 shall remit to the board a sum to be fixed and determined by the board; said sum shall be in proportion to the total number of students in attendance at said educational institutions as set forth in the affidavit provided for in section 194.140 , or so much per capita for each of said students within sixty days after the beginning of each term. The funds so received shall be used in providing for the expense incurred in the conduct of the affairs of the board, and the board shall have the exclusive custody and control of such funds and their disbursements. (RSMo 1939 § 10003) Prior revisions: 1929 § 9133; 1919 § 7348; 1909 § 8329

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.140 Acceptance of provisions of this law - bond - prohibited actions and penalties.

194.140. Acceptance of provisions of this law — bond — prohibited actions and penalties. — 1. The president and secretary, or the dean and registrar, of any educational institution in this state in which human anatomy is being investigated or taught, desiring to accept the provisions of sections 194.120 to 194.180 , shall, within thirty days of the first day of each term of said educational institution, make and furnish to the secretary of the board a sworn statement setting forth the number of students in attendance at such educational institution. 2. No educational institution shall be allowed or permitted to receive any body or bodies in the manner provided for by sections 194.120 to 194.180 until a bond, approved as to form by the attorney general of this state, shall have been given to the board by or in behalf of such educational institution, which bond shall be in the penal sum of one thousand dollars, conditioned that all such bodies which the said educational institution shall receive thereafter in the manner provided by said sections, shall be used only for the promotion or application of anatomical knowledge and science; and whosoever shall sell or buy such body or bodies, or part or parts of body or bodies, or in any way traffic in the same, or shall transmit or convey or cause to be transmitted or conveyed such body or bodies, or part or parts of such body or bodies, to any place outside of this state, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars or be imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, or both; but this section shall not be construed as prohibiting any physician or dentist licensed to practice his profession in this state, or teachers or investigators of anatomy in said institutions, from transporting human specimens outside of the state for temporary use at scientific meetings or exhibits. (RSMo 1939 § 9999) Prior revisions: 1929 § 9131; 1919 § 7346; 1909 § 8327

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.150 Disposal of paupers' bodies.

194.150. Disposal of paupers' bodies. — 1. Superintendents or wardens of penitentiaries, houses of correction and bridewells, hospitals, insane asylums and poorhouses, and coroners, sheriffs, jailers, city and county undertakers, and all other state, county, town or city officers having the custody of the body of any deceased person required to be buried at public expense, shall be and hereby are required immediately to notify the secretary of the board, or the person duly designated by the board or by its secretary to receive such notice, whenever any such body or bodies come into his or their custody, charge or control, and shall, without fee or reward, deliver, within a period not to exceed thirty-six hours after death, except in cases within the jurisdiction of a coroner where retention for a longer time may be necessary, such body or bodies into the custody of the board and permit the board or its agent or agents to take and remove all such bodies, or otherwise dispose of them; provided, that each educational institution receiving a body from the board shall hold such body for at least thirty days, during which time any relative or friend of any such deceased person or persons shall have the right to take and receive the dead body from the possession of any person in whose charge or custody it may be found, for the purpose of interment, upon paying the expense of such interment. 2. Each educational institution securing a dead body shall pay all necessary expense incurred in the delivery thereof, including cost of notice to the secretary of the board or his agent, which notice shall be by telegraph, when necessary to insure immediate notice. A correct record of all such bodies, including the name and date of death, shall be kept in a book provided for that purpose by the county clerk of the county in which such person died, and by the city health commissioner of the city of St. Louis, and such record shall be promptly furnished said officer by the person or persons reporting said bodies to the secretary of the board or his agent. 3. Whenever any person fails to give the notice and deliver the body of a deceased person as required by this section, and by reason of such failure such body shall become unfit for anatomical purposes, and is so certified by the duly authorized officer or agent of the board, such body shall be buried at the expense of the person so failing to notify and deliver such body. (RSMo 1939 § 10000) Prior revisions: 1929 § 9129; 1919 § 7344; 1909 § 8325

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.160 Distribution of bodies.

194.160. Distribution of bodies. — 1. The secretary of the board shall cause to be distributed the bodies aforesaid, to any of the educational institutions mentioned in section 194.120 , upon the acceptance and compliance by said educational institution with the provisions of sections 194.120 to 194.180 , in proportion to the number of students in attendance at said educational institutions where the subject of human anatomy is studied or investigated. 2. The board may employ a carrier or carriers for the conveyance of such bodies, which bodies shall be well enclosed within a suitable encasement, and carefully deposited free from public observation. Said carrier shall obtain a receipt from the officer or other person having custody of any dead body subject to the provisions of sections 194.120 to 194.180 for each body received by said carrier, and said receipt shall set forth the name of the deceased, if known, and all other data that will aid in identifying such body, and shall deposit this receipt with the secretary of the board. (RSMo 1939 § 10001) Prior revisions: 1929 § 9130; 1919 § 7345; 1909 § 8326

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.170 Autopsy not to be held, when.

194.170. Autopsy not to be held, when. — Bodies required to be buried at public expense shall be under the exclusive custody and control of the board. It is hereby declared unlawful for any person or persons to hold any autopsy on any dead human body subject to the provisions of sections 194.120 to 194.180 without first having obtained the consent of the secretary of the board or his accredited agent. The consent of any person for an autopsy on his or her body shall not in any way prevent or affect the application of sections 194.120 to 194.180 . (RSMo 1939 § 10002) Prior revisions: 1929 § 9132; 1919 § 7347; 1909 § 8328

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.180 Penalty for violation.

194.180. Penalty for violation. — Any person violating the provisions of sections 194.120 to 194.180 , other than the provision named in section 194.140 , for the violation of which special penalties are therein imposed, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars. (RSMo 1939 § 10004) Prior revisions: 1929 § 9134; 1919 § 7349; 1909 § 8330

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.197 Depth at which body is buried may be regulated.

194.197. Depth at which body is buried may be regulated. — The governing body of every county and every municipality of this state may regulate the depth at which a human body may be buried. (L. 1985 H.B. 677 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.200 Disposition of a stillborn child, definitions, duties of hospital, duties ...

194.200. Disposition of a stillborn child, definitions, duties of hospital, duties of parents, collection of costs, penalties. — 1. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Final disposition" , the burial, entombment, cremation, delivery to an educational or medical institution for donation, delivery to the state anatomical board or removal from the state of the remains of a deceased person; (2) "Parents" , either or both the biological mother or father of a stillborn child, but such term shall not include an unknown or unidentified biological father; (3) "Stillborn child" , a child who is dead at birth. 2. If a hospital or other health care facility transfers a stillborn child to a funeral establishment for final disposition, the hospital or health care facility shall contact one or both of the parents of such child within twenty-four hours of such transfer for instructions on the method of final disposition of the child. If the hospital contacts and receives instructions from at least one of the parents, the hospital shall convey such instructions to the funeral establishment which shall proceed as directed by such instructions. If the funeral establishment receives instructions from at least one of the parents, the funeral establishment may arrange for the final disposition of the child in accordance with such instructions without contacting the other parent. If the parents of the child do not provide instructions for the final disposition within five days, the funeral establishment shall conduct the most cost-effective method of final disposition of such child and the hospital shall be responsible for the cost of such final disposition. The hospital shall be entitled to collect the cost of such disposition from the parents. If the parents select the manner of final disposition, the parents shall be responsible to the funeral establishment for the costs of such disposition. 3. Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. (L. 1997 H.B. 713 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.210 Definitions.

194.210. Definitions. — 1. Sections 194.210 to 194.294 may be cited as the "Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act". 2. As used in sections 194.210 to 194.294 , the following terms mean: (1) "Adult" , an individual who is at least eighteen years of age; (2) "Agent" , an individual: (a) Authorized to make health-care decisions on the principal's behalf by a power of attorney for health care; or (b) Expressly authorized to make an anatomical gift on the principal's behalf by any other record signed by the principal; (3) "Anatomical gift" , a donation of all or part of a human body to take effect after the donor's death for the purposes of transplantation, therapy, research, or education; (4) "Decedent" , a deceased individual whose body or part is or may be the source of an anatomical gift. The term includes a stillborn infant but does not include an unborn child as defined in section 1.205 or 188.015 if the child has not died of natural causes; (5) "Disinterested witness" , a witness other than the spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandchild, grandparent, or guardian of the individual who makes, amends, revokes, or refuses to make an anatomical gift. The term does not include a person to which an anatomical gift could pass under section 194.255 ; (6) "Document of gift" , a donor card or other record used to make an anatomical gift. The term includes a statement or symbol on a driver's license, identification card, or donor registry; (7) "Donor" , an individual whose body or part is the subject of an anatomical gift provided that donor does not include an unborn child as defined in section 1.205 or section 188.015 if the child has not died of natural causes; (8) "Donor registry" , a database that contains records of anatomical gifts and amendments to or revocations of anatomical gifts; (9) "Driver's license" , a license or permit issued by the department of revenue to operate a vehicle whether or not conditions are attached to the license or permit; (10) "Eye bank" , a person that is licensed, accredited, or regulated under federal or state law to engage in the recovery, screening, testing, processing, storage, or distribution of human eyes or portions of human eyes; (11) "Guardian" , a person appointed by a court pursuant to chapter 475 . The term does not include a guardian ad litem; (12) "Hospital" , a facility licensed as a hospital under the laws of any state or a facility operated as a hospital by the United States, a state, or a subdivision of a state; (13) "Identification card" , an identification card issued by the department of revenue; (14) "Know" , to have actual knowledge; (15) "Minor" , an individual who is under eighteen years of age; (16) "Organ procurement organization" , an entity designated by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services as an organ procurement organization; (17) "Parent" , a parent whose parental rights have not been terminated; (18) "Part" , an organ, an eye, or tissue of a human being. The term does not include the whole body; (19) "Person" , an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity; (20) "Physician" , an individual authorized to practice medicine or osteopathy under the laws of any state; (21) "Potential donor" , an individual whose body or part is the subject of an anatomical gift, provided that donor does not include an unborn child, as defined in section 188.015 , if the child has not died of natural causes; (22) "Procurement organization" , an eye bank, organ procurement organization, tissue bank, or an entity lawfully established and operated for the procurement and distribution of anatomical gifts to be used as donated organs, donated tissues, or for appropriate scientific or medical research; (23) "Prospective donor" , an individual who is dead or near death and has been determined by a procurement organization to have a part that could be medically suitable for transplantation, therapy, research, or education. The term does not include an individual who has made a refusal; (24) "Reasonably available" , able to be contacted by a procurement organization with reasonable effort and willing and able to act in a timely manner consistent with existing medical criteria necessary for the making of an anatomical gift; (25) "Recipient" , an individual into whose body a decedent's part has been or is intended to be transplanted; (26) "Record" , information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form; (27) "Refusal" , a record created under section 194.235 that expressly states an intent to bar other persons from making an anatomical gift of an individual's body or part; (28) "Sign" , with the present intent to authenticate or adopt a record: (a) To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or (b) To attach or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process; (29) "State" , a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the United States; (30) "Technician" , an individual determined to be qualified to remove or process parts by an appropriate organization that is licensed, accredited, or regulated under federal or state law. The term includes an eye enucleator; (31) "Tissue" , a portion of the human body other than an organ or an eye. The term does not include blood unless the blood is donated for purposes of research or education; (32) "Tissue bank" , a person that is licensed, accredited, or regulated under federal or state law to engage in the recovery, screening, testing, processing, storage, or distribution of tissue; (33) "Transplant hospital" , a hospital that furnishes organ transplants and other medical and surgical specialty services required for the care of transplant patients. (L. 1969 S.B. 43 § 1, A.L. 2008 S.B. 1139, A.L. 2022 H.B. 2331 merged with S.B. 710)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.215 Applicability of law.

194.215. Applicability of law. — Sections 194.210 to 194.294 apply to an anatomical gift or amendment to, revocation of, or refusal to make an anatomical gift, whenever made. (L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.220 Registry to be established - gift may be made by whom.

194.220. Registry to be established — gift may be made by whom. — 1. (1) The department of health and senior services shall establish or contract for the establishment of a first person consent organ and tissue donor registry. (2) The department of health and senior services and the department of revenue shall advise the individual that he or she is under no obligation to have his or her name included in the first person consent organ and tissue donor registry. (3) An individual who agrees to have his or her name in the first person consent organ and tissue donor registry has given full legal consent to the donation of any of his or her organs or tissues upon his or her death as recorded in the registry or as subject in subsection 2 of this section. (4) An individual may withdraw his or her consent to be listed in the first person consent organ and tissue donor registry as indicated in this section. The department of health and senior services and the department of revenue shall provide information to an individual advising them that withdrawal of his or her consent to be listed in the registry does not constitute a refusal to make an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part, and that his or her agent or any person listed in section 194.245 having priority to make an anatomical gift on behalf of the individual may make a gift of the individual's body or part. (5) The department of health and senior services and the department of revenue shall provide information advising the individual that if he or she wants to bar other persons from making an anatomical gift of his or her body or part, the individual must execute a refusal under section 194.235 . 2. Subject to section 194.240 , an anatomical gift of a donor's body or part may be made during the life of the donor for the purpose of transplantation, therapy, research, or education in the manner provided in section 194.225 by: (1) The donor, if the donor is an adult or if the donor is a minor and is: (a) Emancipated; or (b) Authorized under state law to apply for a driver's license; (2) An agent of the donor, unless the power of attorney for health care or other record prohibits the agent from making an anatomical gift; (3) A parent of the donor, if the donor is an unemancipated minor; or (4) The donor's guardian. (L. 1969 S.B. 43 § 2, A.L. 1989 H.B. 145, A.L. 1996 H.B. 811, A.L. 2002 S.B. 1026 § 194.220 merged with § 1, A.L. 2003 S.B. 351 merged with S.B. 355, A.L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.225 Procedure for making a gift - donor cards, requirements - gift made by ...

194.225. Procedure for making a gift — donor cards, requirements — gift made by will, effect of — registry authorized — website link. — 1. A donor may make an anatomical gift: (1) By authorizing a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift to be imprinted on the face of the donor's driver's license or identification card, or by placing a donor symbol sticker authorized and issued by the department of health and senior services on the back of the donor's driver's license or identification card indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift; (2) In a will; (3) During a terminal illness or injury of the donor, by any form of communication addressed to at least two adults at least one of whom is a disinterested witness; or (4) As provided in subsection 2 of this section. 2. A donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under section 194.220 may make a gift by a donor card or other record signed by the donor or other person making the gift or by authorizing that a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift be included on a donor registry. If the donor or other person is physically unable to sign a record, the record may be signed by another individual at the direction of the donor or the other person and shall: (1) Be witnessed by at least two adults at least one of whom is a disinterested witness, who have signed at the request of the donor or the other person; and (2) State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in subdivision (1) of subsection 1 of this section. 3. Revocation, suspension, expiration, or cancellation of the driver's license or identification card upon which an anatomical gift is indicated does not invalidate the gift. 4. An anatomical gift made by will takes effect upon the donor's death whether or not the will is probated. Invalidation of the will after the donor's death does not invalidate the gift. 5. The department of health and senior services shall include on its website information about organ donation and a link where persons making an anatomical gift can register. Once a person has registered as a donor on the website, the department of health and senior services shall contact the department of revenue to determine whether the organ donor symbol is printed on the front of the registrant's driver's license or identification card. If the donor symbol does not appear on the front of the registrant's driver's license or identification card, the department of health and senior services shall mail to the registrant, through first class mail, a donor symbol sticker to be placed on the back of his or her driver's license or identification card as provided under this section and section 302.171 . 6. All state agencies and departments may provide a link on the homepage of their website directing the public to the organ donation information and registration link on the department of health and senior services website. (L. 2008 S.B. 1139, A.L. 2019 S.B. 368)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.230 Amendment or revocation, procedure.

194.230. Amendment or revocation, procedure. — 1. Subject to section 194.240 , a donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under section 194.220 may amend or revoke an anatomical gift by: (1) A record signed by: (a) The donor; (b) The other person; or (c) Subject to subsection 2 of this section, another individual acting at the direction of the donor or the other person if the donor or other person is physically unable to sign; or (2) A later-executed document of gift that amends or revokes a previous anatomical gift or portion of an anatomical gift, either expressly or by inconsistency. 2. A record signed under paragraph (c) of subdivision (1) of subsection 1 of this section shall: (1) Be witnessed by at least two adults at least one of whom is a disinterested witness, who have signed at the request of the donor or the other person; and (2) State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection. 3. Subject to section 194.240 , a donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under section 194.220 may revoke the gift by the destruction or cancellation of the document of gift, or a portion of the document of gift used to make the gift, with the intent to revoke the gift. 4. A donor may amend or revoke an anatomical gift that was not made in a will by any form of communication during a terminal illness or injury addressed to at least two adults at least one of whom is a disinterested witness. 5. A donor who makes an anatomical gift in a will may amend or revoke the gift in the manner provided for amendment or revocation of wills or as provided in subsection 1 of this section. (L. 1969 S.B. 43 § 3, A.L. 2002 S.B. 1026, A.L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.235 Refusal to make a gift, evidenced how, requirements.

194.235. Refusal to make a gift, evidenced how, requirements. — 1. An individual may refuse to make an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part by: (1) A record signed by: (a) The individual; or (b) Subject to subsection 2 of this section, another individual acting at the direction of the individual if the individual is physically unable to sign; (2) The individual's will whether or not the will is admitted to probate or invalidated after the individual's death; or (3) Any form of communication made by the individual during the individual's terminal illness or injury addressed to at least two adults at least one of whom is a disinterested witness. 2. A record signed under paragraph (b) of subdivision (1) of subsection 1 of this section shall: (1) Be witnessed by at least two adults at least one of whom is a disinterested witness, who have signed at the request of the individual; and (2) State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection. 3. An individual may amend or revoke a refusal: (1) In the manner provided in subsection 1 of this section for making a refusal; (2) By subsequently making an anatomical gift under section 194.225 that is inconsistent with the refusal; or (3) By the destroying or cancelling of the record evidencing the refusal, or the portion of the record used to make the refusal, with the intent to revoke the refusal. 4. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 8 of section 194.240 , in the absence of an express, contrary indication by the individual set forth in the refusal, an individual's unrevoked refusal to make an anatomical gift of the individual's body or a part bars all other persons from making an anatomical gift of the individual's body or the part. (L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.240 Person other than donor barred from making, amending, or revoking donor's ...

194.240. Person other than donor barred from making, amending, or revoking donor's gift — revocation not a bar to making a gift — parent may revoke or amend a gift of a child. — 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 7 of this section and subject to subsection 6 of this section, in the absence of an express, contrary indication by the donor, a person other than the donor is barred from making, amending, or revoking an anatomical gift of a donor's body or a part if the donor made an anatomical gift of the donor's body or the part under section 194.225 or an amendment to an anatomical gift of the donor's body or the part under section 194.230 . 2. A donor's revocation of an anatomical gift of the donor's body or a part under section 194.230 is not a refusal and does not bar another person specified in section 194.220 or 194.245 from making an anatomical gift of the donor's body or a part under section 194.225 or 194.250 . 3. If a person other than the donor makes an unrevoked anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under section 194.225 or an amendment to an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under section 194.230 , another person may not make, amend, or revoke the gift of the donor's body or part under section 194.250 . 4. A revocation of an anatomical gift of the donor's body or a part under section 194.230 by a person other than the donor does not bar another person from making an anatomical gift of the body or a part under section 194.225 or 194.250 . 5. In the absence of an express, contrary indication by the donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under section 194.220 , an anatomical gift of a part is neither a refusal to give another part nor a limitation on the making of an anatomical gift of another part at a later time by the donor or another person. 6. In the absence of an express, contrary indication by the donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under section 194.220 , an anatomical gift of a part for one or more purposes set forth in section 194.220 is not a limitation on the making of an anatomical gift of the part for any other purpose by the donor or other person under section 194.225 or 194.250 . 7. If a donor who is an unemancipated minor dies, a parent or guardian of the donor who is reasonably available may revoke or amend an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part. (L. 1969 S.B. 43 § 4, A.L. 1975 H.B. 107, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1492, A.L. 1991 S.B. 177, A.L. 1995 H.B. 178, A.L. 1996 H.B. 811, A.L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.245 Gift for transplantation, therapy, research, or education, priority list ...

194.245. Gift for transplantation, therapy, research, or education, priority list for persons making. — 1. Subject to subsections 2 and 3 of this section and unless barred by section 194.235 or 194.240 , an anatomical gift of a decedent's body or part for purposes of transplantation, therapy, research, or education may be made in the order of priority listed, by any member of the following classes of persons who is reasonably available, in the order of priority listed: (1) An agent of the decedent at the time of death who could have made an anatomical gift under subdivision (2) of subsection 2 of section 194.220 immediately before the decedent's death; (2) The spouse of the decedent; (3) Adult children of the decedent; (4) Parents of the decedent; (5) Adult siblings of the decedent; (6) Adult grandchildren of the decedent; (7) Grandparents of the decedent; (8) The persons who were acting as the guardian of the person of the decedent at the time of death; and (9) Any other public official having the authority to dispose of the decedent's body. 2. If there is more than one member of a class listed in subdivision (1), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (9) of subsection 1 of this section entitled to make an anatomical gift, an anatomical gift may be made by a member of the class unless that member or a person to which the gift can pass under section 194.255 knows of an objection by another member of the class. If an objection is known, the gift may be made only by a majority of the members of the class who are reasonably available. 3. A person may not make an anatomical gift if, at the time of the decedent's death, a person in a prior class under subsection 1 of this section is reasonably available to make or to object to the making of an anatomical gift. (L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.250 Document of gift, procedure.

194.250. Document of gift, procedure. — 1. A person authorized to make an anatomical gift under section 194.245 may make an anatomical gift by a document of gift signed by the person making the gift or that person's oral communication that is electronically recorded or is contemporaneously reduced to a record and signed by the individual receiving the oral communication. 2. Subject to subsection 3 of this section, an anatomical gift by a person authorized under section 194.245 may be amended or revoked orally or in a record by any member of a prior class who is reasonably available. If more than one member of the prior class is reasonably available, the gift made by a person authorized under section 194.245 may be: (1) Amended only if a majority of reasonably available members agree to the revoking of the gift; or (2) Revoked only if a majority of the reasonably available members agree to the revoking of the gift or if they are equally divided as to whether to revoke the gift. 3. A revocation under subsection 2 of this section is effective only if, before an incision has been made to remove a part from the donor's body or before invasive procedures have begun to prepare the recipient, the procurement organization, transplant hospital, or physician or technician knows of the revocation. (L. 1969 S.B. 43 § 5, A.L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.255 Persons eligible to receive gift in the document of gift - gifts not naming ...

194.255. Persons eligible to receive gift in the document of gift — gifts not naming persons, effect of — refusal of gift required when. — 1. An anatomical gift may be made to the following persons named in the document of gift: (1) A hospital, accredited medical school, dental school, college, university, or procurement organization, or other appropriate person for appropriate scientific or medical research or education; (2) Subject to subsection 2 of this section, an individual designated by the person making the anatomical gift if the individual is the recipient of the part; or (3) An eye bank or tissue bank. 2. If an anatomical gift to an individual under subdivision (2) of subsection 1 of this section cannot be transplanted into the individual, the part passes in accordance with subsection 7 of this section in the absence of an express, contrary indication by the person making the anatomical gift. 3. If an anatomical gift of one or more specific parts or of all parts is made in a document of gift that does not name a person described in subsection 1 of this section but identifies the purpose for which an anatomical gift may be used, the following rules apply: (1) If the part is an eye and the gift is for the purpose of transplantation or therapy, the gift passes to the appropriate eye bank; (2) If the part is tissue and the gift is for the purpose of transplantation or therapy, the gift passes to the appropriate tissue bank; (3) If the part is an organ and the gift is for the purpose of transplantation or therapy, the gift passes to the appropriate organ procurement organization as custodian of the organ; (4) If the part is an organ, an eye, or tissue and the gift is for the purpose of research or education, the gift passes to the appropriate procurement organization. 4. For the purpose of subsection 3 of this section, if there is more than one purpose of an anatomical gift set forth in the document of gift but the purposes are not set forth in any priority, the gift must be used for transplantation or therapy if suitable. If the gift cannot be used for transplantation or therapy, the gift may be used for research or education. 5. If an anatomical gift of one or more specific parts is made in a document of gift that does not name a person described in subsection 1 of this section and does not identify the purpose of the gift, the gift may be used only for transplantation or therapy, and the gift passes in accordance with subsection 7 of this section. 6. If a document of gift specifies only a general intent to make an anatomical gift by words such as "donor", "organ donor", or "body donor", or by a symbol or statement of similar import, the gift may be used only for transplantation or therapy, and the gift passes in accordance with subsection 7 of this section. 7. For purposes of subsections 2, 5, and 6 of this section, the following rules apply: (1) If the part is an eye, the gift passes to the appropriate eye bank; (2) If the part is tissue, the gift passes to the appropriate tissue bank; (3) If the part is an organ, the gift passes to the appropriate organ procurement organization as custodian of the organ; (4) If the gift is medically unsuitable for transplantation or therapy, the gift may be used for appropriate scientific or medical research or education and pass to the appropriate procurement organization. 8. An anatomical gift of an organ for transplantation or therapy, other than an anatomical gift under subdivision (2) of subsection 1 of this section, passes to the organ procurement organization as custodian of the organ. 9. If an anatomical gift does not pass under subsections 1 through 8 of this section or the decedent's body or part is not used for transplantation, therapy, research, or education, custody of the body or part passes to the person under obligation to dispose of the body or part. 10. A person may not accept an anatomical gift if the person knows that the gift was not effectively made under section 194.225 or 194.250 or if the person knows that the decedent made a refusal under section 194.235 that was not revoked. For purposes of this subsection, if a person knows that an anatomical gift was made on a document of gift, the person is deemed to know of any amendment or revocation of the gift or any refusal to make an anatomical gift on the same document of gift. 11. A person may not accept an anatomical gift if the person knows that the gift is from the body of an executed prisoner from another country. 12. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (2) of subsection 1 of this section, nothing in this act affects the allocation of organs for transplantation or therapy. (L. 2008 S.B. 1139, A.L. 2014 H.B. 1656, A.L. 2022 H.B. 2331 merged with S.B. 710)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.260 Reasonable search to identify donors - immunity from liability, when.

194.260. Reasonable search to identify donors — immunity from liability, when. — 1. The following persons shall make a reasonable search of an individual who the person reasonably believes is dead or near death for a document of gift or other information identifying the individual as a donor or as an individual who made a refusal: (1) A law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, or other emergency rescuer finding the individual; and (2) If no other source of the information is immediately available, a hospital, as soon as practical after the individual's arrival at the hospital. 2. If a document of gift or a refusal to make an anatomical gift is located by the search required by subdivision (1) of subsection 1 of this section and the individual or deceased individual to whom it relates is taken to a hospital, the person responsible for conducting the search shall send the document of gift or refusal to the hospital. 3. A person is not subject to criminal or civil liability for failing to discharge the duties imposed by this section but may be subject to administrative sanctions. (L. 1969 S.B. 43 § 6, A.L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.263 Delivery of document of gift not required - examination and copying of ...

194.263. Delivery of document of gift not required — examination and copying of document permitted, when. — 1. A document of gift need not be delivered during the donor's lifetime to be effective. 2. Upon or after an individual's death, a person in possession of a document of gift or a refusal to make an anatomical gift with respect to the individual shall allow examination and copying of the document of gift or refusal by a person authorized to make or object to the making of an anatomical gift with respect to the individual or by a person to which the gift could pass under section 194.255 . (L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.265 Referral to procurement organization, diligent search of donor registry ...

194.265. Referral to procurement organization, diligent search of donor registry required — reasonable examination of body parts permitted, when — search for minor's parents required, when — attending physician shall not procure, when. — 1. When a hospital refers an individual at or near death to a procurement organization, the organization shall make a reasonable search of any donor registry and other applicable records that it knows exist for the geographical area in which the individual resides to ascertain whether the individual has made an anatomical gift. 2. A procurement organization must be allowed reasonable access to information in the records of the department of health and senior services and department of revenue to ascertain whether an individual at or near death is a donor. 3. When a hospital refers an individual at or near death to a procurement organization, the organization may conduct any reasonable examination necessary to ensure the medical suitability of a part that is or could be the subject of an anatomical gift for transplantation, therapy, research, or education from a donor, potential donor, or a prospective donor. During the examination period, measures necessary to ensure the medical suitability of the part may not be withdrawn unless the hospital or procurement organization knows a contrary intent had or has been expressed by the individual or an agent of the individual, or if the individual is incapacitated and he or she has no agent, knows a contrary intent has been expressed by any person listed in section 194.245 having priority to make an anatomical gift on behalf of the individual. 4. Unless prohibited by law other than sections 194.210 to 194.294 , at any time after a donor's death, the person to which a part passes under section 194.255 may conduct any reasonable examination necessary to ensure the medical suitability of the body or part for its intended purpose. 5. Unless prohibited by law other than sections 194.210 to 194.294 , an examination under subsection 3 or 4 of this section may include an examination of all medical records of the donor, potential donor, or prospective donor. 6. Upon the death of a minor who was a donor or had signed a refusal, unless a procurement organization knows the minor is emancipated, the procurement organization shall conduct a reasonable search for the parents of the minor and provide the parents with an opportunity to revoke or amend the anatomical gift or revoke a refusal. 7. Upon referral by a hospital under subsection 1 of this section, a procurement organization shall make a reasonable search for any person listed in section 194.245 having priority to make an anatomical gift on behalf of a donor, potential donor, or prospective donor. If a procurement organization receives information that an anatomical gift to any other person was made, amended, or revoked, it shall promptly advise the other person of all relevant information. 8. Subject to subsection 9 of section 194.255 and section 58.785 , the rights of the person to which a part passes under section 194.255 are superior to rights of all others with respect to the part. The person may accept or reject an anatomical gift in whole or in part. Subject to the terms of the document of gift and this act * , a person that accepts an anatomical gift of an entire body may allow embalming or cremation and use of remains in a funeral service. If the gift is of a part, the person to which the part passes under section 194.255 , upon the death of the donor and before embalming, burial, or cremation, shall cause the part to be removed without unnecessary mutilation. 9. Neither the physician who attends the decedent immediately prior to or at death nor the physician who determines the time of the decedent's death may participate in the procedures for removing or transplanting a part from the decedent. 10. No physician who removes or transplants a part from the decedent, or a procurement organization, shall have primary responsibility for the health care treatment, or health care decision-making for such individual's terminal condition during the hospitalization for which the individual becomes a donor. 11. A physician or technician may remove a donated part from the body of a donor that the physician or technician is qualified to remove. (L. 2008 S.B. 1139, A.L. 2022 H.B. 2331 merged with S.B. 710) * "This act" (S.B. 1139, 2008) and (H.B. 2331 merged with S.B. 710, 2022) contained numerous sections. Consult Disposition of Sections table for a definitive listing.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.270 Hospitals to enter into agreements with procurement organizations.

194.270. Hospitals to enter into agreements with procurement organizations. — Each hospital in this state shall enter into agreements or affiliations with procurement organizations for coordination of procurement and use of anatomical gifts. (L. 1969 S.B. 43 § 7, A.L. 2008 S.B. 1139) (2004) Determination of good faith under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act is a question of law which can be addressed on summary judgment. Schembre v. Mid-America Transplant Association, 135 S.W.3d 527 (Mo.App.E.D.).

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.275 Purchase or sale of body parts for valuable consideration prohibited - ...

194.275. Purchase or sale of body parts for valuable consideration prohibited — penalty — definition. — 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 of this section, a person that for valuable consideration knowingly purchases or sells a part for any purpose if removal of the whole body or a part from an individual is intended to occur after the individual's death commits a felony and upon pleading or being found guilty is subject to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand dollars or imprisonment not exceeding seven years, or both. 2. For purposes of this section, the term "valuable consideration" does not include the reasonable payments associated with the removal, transportation, implantation, processing, preservation, quality control, and storage of any part or a whole body. (L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.280 Falsification of documents, penalty.

194.280. Falsification of documents, penalty. — Any person that in order to obtain a financial gain knowingly falsifies, forges, conceals, defaces, or obliterates a document of gift, an amendment or revocation of a document of gift, or a refusal commits a felony and upon pleading or being found guilty is subject to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand dollars or imprisonment not exceeding seven years, or both. (L. 1969 S.B. 43 § 8, A.L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.285 Immunity from liability, when.

194.285. Immunity from liability, when. — 1. A person that acts in accordance with sections 194.210 to 194.294 or with the applicable anatomical gift law of another state that is not inconsistent with the provisions of sections 194.210 to 194.294 or attempts without negligence and in good faith to do so is not liable for the act in any civil action, criminal, or administrative proceeding. 2. Neither the person making an anatomical gift nor the donor's estate is liable for any injury or damage that results from the making or use of the gift. 3. In determining whether an anatomical gift has been made, amended, or revoked under sections 194.210 to 194.294 , a person may rely upon representations of individuals listed in subdivision (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) of subsection 1 of section 194.245 relating to the individual's relationship to the donor, potential donor, or prospective donor unless the person knows that representation is untrue. (L. 2008 S.B. 1139, A.L. 2022 H.B. 2331 merged with S.B. 710)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.290 Declarations and advance health care directives - definitions - gift in ...

194.290. Declarations and advance health care directives — definitions — gift in conflict with, donor or physician to resolve. — 1. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Advance health-care directive" , a power of attorney for health care or a record signed or authorized by a donor, potential donor, or prospective donor, containing the donor's direction concerning a health-care decision for the donor; (2) "Declaration" , a record, including but not limited to a living will, or a do-not-resuscitate order, signed by a donor, potential donor, or prospective donor specifying the circumstances under which a life support system may be withheld or withdrawn; (3) "Health-care decision" , any decision regarding the health care of the donor, potential donor, or prospective donor. 2. If a donor, potential donor, or prospective donor has a declaration or advance health-care directive and the terms of the declaration or directive and the express or implied terms of a potential anatomical gift are in conflict with regard to the administration of measures necessary to ensure the medical suitability of a part for transplantation or therapy, the donor's attending physician and donor shall confer to resolve the conflict. If the donor, potential donor, or prospective donor is incapable of resolving the conflict, an agent acting under the donor's declaration or directive or, if none or the agent is not reasonably available, another person authorized by law to make health-care decisions on behalf of the donor shall act for the donor to resolve the conflict. The conflict must be resolved as expeditiously as possible. Information relevant to the resolution of the conflict may be obtained from the appropriate procurement organization and any other person authorized to make an anatomical gift for the prospective donor under section 194.245 . Before the resolution of the conflict, measures necessary to ensure the medical suitability of an organ for transplantation or therapy may not be withheld or withdrawn from the donor, potential donor, or prospective donor if withholding or withdrawing the measures is not contraindicated by appropriate end-of-life care. (L. 1969 S.B. 43 § 9, A.L. 2008 S.B. 1139, A.L. 2022 H.B. 2331 merged with S.B. 710)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.292 Requirements for valid execution of a document of gift - presumption of ...

194.292. Requirements for valid execution of a document of gift — presumption of validity, when — requirements for out-of-state execution of documents. — 1. A document of gift is valid if executed in accordance with: (1) Sections 194.210 to 194.294 ; (2) The laws of the state or country where it was executed; or (3) The laws of the state or country where the person making the anatomical gift was domiciled, has a place of residence, or was a national at the time the document of gift was executed. 2. If a document of gift is valid as provided by subsection 1 of this section, the law of this state governs the interpretation of the document of gift. 3. A person may presume that a document of gift or amendment of an anatomical gift is valid unless that person knows that it was not validly executed or was revoked. 4. For purposes of this section, for a document of gift from another state or country to be valid it must be executed by a record, document, or donor registry that expresses the informed consent of a person to make an anatomical gift. (L. 2008 S.B. 1139)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.293 Uniformity of law a consideration in construing statutory provisions.

194.293. Uniformity of law a consideration in construing statutory provisions. — In applying and construing sections 194.216 * to 194.290 , consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it. (L. 2008 S.B. 1139) *Section 194.216 does not exist.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.294 Effect of law on certain federal acts.

194.294. Effect of law on certain federal acts. — Sections 194.210 to 194.294 modify, limit, and supersede * the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 7001, et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede Section 101(a) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Section 7001, or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in Section 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Section 7003(b). (L. 2008 S.B. 1139) *Words "modifies, limits, and supersedes" appear in original rolls.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.295 Embalmers authorized to enucleate eyes, when.

194.295. Embalmers authorized to enucleate eyes, when. — Any embalmer, licensed under the provisions of chapter 333 , who has successfully completed a course in eye enucleation conducted or certified by the department of ophthalmology of a college of medicine offering said course, and who holds a valid certificate of competence for completing the course, may enucleate eyes when the eyes have been donated as a gift as provided by the Missouri uniform anatomical gift act. No embalmer is subject to any civil or criminal liability for performing any act necessary to enucleate eyes as provided by this section. (L. 1973 S.B. 34 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.297 Organ donor program fund established - funding, administration, investment ...

194.297. Organ donor program fund established — funding, administration, investment of moneys — transfer to general revenue prohibited. — 1. There is established in the state treasury the "Organ Donor Program Fund". The state treasurer shall credit to and deposit in the organ donor program fund all amounts received under sections 301.020 , 301.3125 , and subsection 2 of section 302.171 , and any other amounts which may be received from grants, gifts, bequests, the federal government, or other sources granted or given. Funds shall be used for implementing efforts that support or provide organ, eye, and tissue donation education awareness, recognition, training, and registry efforts unless designated for a specific purpose as outlined in subsection 4 of this section. Funds may be used to support expenses incurred by organ donation advisory committee members pursuant to section 194.300 . 2. The department of health and senior services may pursue funding to support programmatic efforts and initiatives as outlined in subsection 1 of this section. 3. The state treasurer shall invest any funds in excess of five hundred thousand dollars in the organ donor program fund not required for immediate disbursement or program allocation in the same manner as surplus state funds are invested under section 30.260 . All earnings resulting from the investment of money in the organ donor program fund shall be credited to the organ donor program fund. 4. The organ donor program fund can accept gifts, grants, appropriations, or contributions from any source, public or private, including contributions from sections 301.020 , 301.3125 , and 302.171 , and individuals, private organizations and foundations, and bequests. Private contributions, grants, and federal funds may be used and expended by the department for such purposes as may be specified in any requirements, terms, or conditions attached thereto or, in the absence of any specific requirements, terms, or conditions, as the department may determine for purposes outlined in subsection 1 of this section. 5. The acceptance and use of federal funds shall not commit any state funds, nor place any obligation upon the general assembly to continue the programs or activities outlined in the federal fund award for which the federal funds are available. 6. The state treasurer shall administer the fund, and the moneys in the fund shall be used solely, upon appropriation, by the department. The department may consult with the organ donation advisory committee about the implementation of programming and related expenditures. 7. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 33.080 to the contrary, moneys in the organ donor program fund at the end of any biennium shall not be transferred to the credit of the general revenue fund. There shall be no money appropriated from general revenue to administer the fund in the event the fund cannot sustain itself. (L. 1995 H.B. 178 § 1 subsec. 1, A.L. 2022 H.B. 2331 merged with S.B. 710)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.299 Money in organ donor program fund, how expended.

194.299. Money in organ donor program fund, how expended. — The moneys in the organ donor program fund shall be expended as follows: (1) The department of health and senior services may enter into contracts with certified organ procurement organizations, other organizations, individuals, and institutions for services furthering the development and implementation of organ donation awareness programs in this state; (2) Education and awareness initiatives, donor family recognition efforts, training, strategic planning efforts, and registry initiatives; (3) Publication of informational pamphlets or booklets by the department of health and senior services and the advisory committee regarding organ donations and donations to the organ donor program fund when obtaining or renewing a license to operate a motor vehicle pursuant to subsection 2 of section 302.171 ; (4) Maintenance of a central registry of potential organ, eye, and tissue donors pursuant to subsection 1 of section 194.304 ; (5) Implementation of organ donation awareness programs in the secondary schools of this state by the department of elementary and secondary education; and (6) Reimbursements for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by advisory committee members pursuant to subsection 2 of section 194.300 . (L. 1995 H.B. 178 § 1 subsec. 4, A.L. 2022 H.B. 2331 merged with S.B. 710)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.300 Organ donation advisory committee established, appointment, qualifications, ...

194.300. Organ donation advisory committee established, appointment, qualifications, expenses, terms. — 1. There is established within the department of health and senior services the "Organ Donation Advisory Committee", which shall consist of the following members appointed by the director of the department of health and senior services: (1) Four representatives of organ and tissue procurement organizations; (2) Four members representative of organ recipients, families of organ recipients, organ donors and families of organ donors; (3) One health care representative from a hospital located in Missouri; and (4) One representative of the department of health and senior services. 2. Members of the advisory committee shall receive no compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for the reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties out of appropriations made for that purpose. Members shall serve for five year terms and shall serve at the pleasure of the director. (L. 1995 H.B. 178 § 1 subsecs. 2 & 3, A.L. 2023 H.B. 402)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.302 Advisory committee's powers and duties - annual report, due when.

194.302. Advisory committee's powers and duties — annual report, due when. — The advisory committee shall assist the department of health and senior services and the department of elementary and secondary education in the development of organ donor awareness programs to educate the general public on the importance of organ donations and shall recommend priorities in the expenditures from the organ donor program fund. The advisory committee shall submit a report of its activities and recommendations to the director of the department of health and senior services, the general assembly and the governor by the fifteenth day of January of each year, beginning January 15, 1997. (L. 1995 H.B. 178 § 1 subsec. 5) Effective 1-1-96

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.304 Transfer of donor registry information, department of revenue to cooperate ...

194.304. Transfer of donor registry information, department of revenue to cooperate — registry requirements. — 1. The department of revenue shall cooperate with any donor registry that this state establishes, contracts for, or recognizes for the purpose of transferring to the donor registry all relevant information regarding a donor's making, amendment to, or revocation of an anatomical gift. 2. A first person consent organ and tissue donor registry shall: (1) Allow a donor, potential donor, prospective donor, or other person authorized under section 194.220 to include on the donor registry a statement or symbol that the donor has made, amended, or revoked an anatomical gift; (2) Be accessible to a procurement organization to allow it to obtain relevant information on the donor registry to determine, at or near death of the donor, potential donor, or prospective donor, whether the donor has made, amended, or revoked an anatomical gift; and (3) Be accessible for purposes of subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection seven days a week on a twenty-four-hour basis. 3. Personally identifiable information on the donor registry about a donor, potential donor, or prospective donor may not be used or disclosed without the express consent of the donor or the person who made the anatomical gift for any purpose other than to determine, at or near death of the donor, whether the donor has made, amended, or revoked an anatomical gift. (L. 1995 H.B. 178 § 1 subsec. 6 & 7, A.L. 2008 S.B. 1139, A.L. 2022 H.B. 2331 merged with S.B. 710)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.307 Effective date for sections 194.240, 194.297 through 194.304 and section ...

194.307. Effective date for sections 194.240, 194.297 through 194.304 and section 302.171. — Sections 194.240 , 194.297 to 194.304 and section 302.171 shall become effective January 1, 1996. (L. 1995 H.B. 178 § B)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.320 Physical or mental disability, or congenital condition of recipient of ...

194.320. Physical or mental disability, or congenital condition of recipient of anatomical gift — limitations on hospitals, physicians, and procurement organizations to determine ultimate recipient. — 1. No hospital, as defined in section 197.020 , physician, procurement organization, as defined in section 194.210 , or other person shall determine the ultimate recipient of an anatomical gift based upon a potential recipient's physical or mental disability or congenital condition, except to the extent that the physical or mental disability or congenital condition has been found by a physician, following a case-by-case evaluation of the potential recipient, to be medically significant to the provision of the anatomical gift. The provisions of this subsection shall apply to each part of the organ transplant process, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) The referral from a primary care provider to a specialist; (2) The referral from a specialist to a transplant center; (3) The evaluation of the patient for the transplant by the transplant center; and (4) The consideration of the patient for placement on an official waiting list. 2. A person with a physical or mental disability or congenital condition shall not be required to demonstrate postoperative independent living abilities in order to have access to a transplant if there is evidence that the person will have sufficient, compensatory support and assistance. 3. A court of competent jurisdiction shall accord priority on its calendar and handle expeditiously any action brought to seek any remedy authorized by law for purposes of enforcing compliance with the provisions of this section. 4. This section shall not be deemed to require referrals or recommendations for or the performance of medically inappropriate organ transplants. 5. As used in this section, "disabilities" shall have the same meaning as in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. Section 12101, et seq. (L. 2020 S.B. 551)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.321 Recipients and donors, COVID-19 vaccination status not to be considered, ...

194.321. Recipients and donors, COVID-19 vaccination status not to be considered, when, exception. — 1. For purposes of this section, the following terms mean: (1) "COVID-19 vaccination status" , an indication of whether a person has received a vaccination against COVID-19; (2) "Hospital" , the same meaning given to the term in section 197.020 ; (3) "Procurement organization" , the same meaning given to the term in section 194.210 . 2. Except if the organ being transplanted is a lung, no hospital, physician, procurement organization, or other person shall consider the COVID-19 vaccination status of a potential organ transplant recipient or potential organ donor in any part of the organ transplant process including, but not limited to: (1) The referral of a patient to be considered for a transplant; (2) The evaluation of a patient for a transplant; (3) The consideration of a patient for placement on a waiting list; (4) A patient's particular position on a waiting list; and (5) The evaluation of a potential donor to determine his or her suitability as an organ donor. (L. 2022 H.B. 2331 merged with S.B. 710)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.350 Disposition of cremated remains - if no directions are given, procedure, notice.

194.350. Disposition of cremated remains — if no directions are given, procedure, notice. — A licensed funeral establishment which cremates, or contracts for the cremation of, a dead human body, whether the cremation occurs before or after August 28, 1989, may dispose of the cremated remains by: (1) Disposing the remains in accordance with the cremation contract, except if otherwise prohibited by law; (2) Delivering the remains to or as directed by another licensed funeral establishment which contracted for the cremation; (3) Delivering the remains to or as directed by the person who contracted for the cremation; or (4) If not delivered pursuant to subdivision (2) or (3) of this section, by scattering, burying, or interring the unclaimed cremated remains in a scatter garden or pond, columbarium or other place formally dedicated for such purpose, by delivering the remains to any person listed in section 194.119 , or releasing the remains to a veterans' service organization per the procedures set out in section 194.360 , provided, at least ninety days prior to such action the funeral establishment shall send a written notice by mail, with confirmation of delivery, to the last known address of the person or establishment that contracted for the cremation stating that the remains will be scattered, interred, or delivered under this subdivision unless the notified establishment or person, or other person authorized by the notified establishment or person, claims and removes the remains prior to the end of such ninety-day period. (L. 1989 H.B. 195 § 1, A.L. 2010 H.B. 2231, A.L. 2013 S.B. 186)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.360 Veterans, cremated remains - definitions - funeral establishment or ...

194.360. Veterans, cremated remains — definitions — funeral establishment or coroner, authorized release of identifying information, to whom — release of remains, when — immunity from liability. — 1. As used in this section the following terms shall mean: (1) "Funeral establishment" , as defined in section 333.011 , a funeral home, a funeral director, an embalmer, or an employee of any of the individuals or entities; (2) "Identifying information" , data required by the Department of Veterans Affairs to verify a veteran or their dependent's eligibility for burial in a national or state cemetery: name, service number, Social Security number, date of birth, date of death, place of birth, and copy of death certificate; (3) "Veteran" , a person honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States, including, but not limited to, the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the Regular Scouts "Old Scouts", and the Special Philippine Scouts "New Scouts", or a person who died while on active military service with any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States; (4) "Veterans' service organization" , a veterans organization that is federally chartered by the Congress of the United States, veterans' service organization recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs or that qualifies as a Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19), nonprofit tax exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code that is organized for the verification and burial of veterans and dependents. 2. A funeral establishment or coroner in the possession of cremated remains is authorized to release the identifying information to the Department of Veterans Affairs or a veterans' service organization for the purpose of obtaining verification of the veteran's or veterans' dependent's eligibility for a military burial, interment, or scattering. When verification of a veteran or dependent is completed, the funeral establishment or coroner may release the remains to the veterans' service organization who then may arrange for the burial, interment, or scattering of the remains. 3. A funeral establishment or coroner who releases the identifying information shall not be liable in any action regarding the release of the identifying information and neither the funeral establishment, coroner, or veterans' service organization shall be liable in any action stemming from the final disposition, interment, burial, or scattering of remains released to a veterans' service organization pursuant to this chapter so long as the funeral establishment, prior to the burial, interment, or scattering of the remains, follows the notification procedures for unclaimed cremated remains as set out in subdivision (4) of section 194.350 . 4. A veterans' service organization accepting remains under this section shall take all reasonable steps to inter the remains in a veterans' cemetery. (L. 2009 H.B. 111 merged with H.B. 427, A.L. 2013 S.B. 186)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.375 Citation of law - definitions.

194.375. Citation of law — definitions. — 1. Sections 194.375 to 194.390 shall be known and may be cited as the "Disposition of Fetal Remains Act". 2. As used in sections 194.375 to 194.390 , the following terms mean: (1) "Final disposition" , the burial, cremation, or other disposition of the remains of a human fetus following a spontaneous fetal demise occurring after a gestation period of less than twenty completed weeks; (2) "Remains of a human fetus" , the fetal remains or fetal products of conception of a mother after a miscarriage, regardless of the gestational age or whether the remains have been obtained by spontaneous or accidental means. (L. 2004 H.B. 1136)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.378 Final disposition of fetal remains, mother has right to determine.

194.378. Final disposition of fetal remains, mother has right to determine. — In every instance of fetal death, the mother has the right to determine the final disposition of the remains of the fetus , regardless of the duration of the pregnancy. The mother may choose any means of final disposition authorized by law or by the director of the department of health and senior services. (L. 2004 H.B. 1136)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.381 Means of disposition.

194.381. Means of disposition. — 1. The final disposition of the remains of a human fetus may be by cremation, interment by burial, incineration in an approved medical waste incinerator, or other means authorized by the director of the department of health and senior services. The disposition shall be in accordance with state law or administrative rules providing for the disposition. If the remains are disposed of by incineration, the remains shall be incinerated separately from other medical waste. 2. No religious service or ceremony is required as part of the final disposition of the remains of a human fetus. (L. 2004 H.B. 1136)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.384 Written standards required for protection of mother's right to determine ...

194.384. Written standards required for protection of mother's right to determine final disposition. — Every hospital, outpatient birthing clinic, and any other health care facility licensed to operate in this state shall adopt written standards for the final disposition of the remains of a human fetus as provided in sections 194.375 to 194.390 for protection of a mother's right pursuant to section 194.378 and for notice as required in section 194.387 . (L. 2004 H.B. 1136)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.387 Miscarriage - mother's right to determine final disposition of remains - ...

194.387. Miscarriage — mother's right to determine final disposition of remains — counseling made available, when. — 1. Within twenty-four hours after a miscarriage occurs spontaneously or accidentally at a hospital, outpatient birthing clinic, or any other health care facility, the facility shall disclose to the mother of the miscarried fetus, both orally and in writing, the mother's right to determine the final disposition of the remains of the fetus . The facility's disclosure shall include giving the mother a copy of the facility's written standards adopted pursuant to section 194.384 . 2. The facility shall make counseling concerning the death of the fetus available to the mother. The facility may provide the counseling or refer the mother to another provider of appropriate counseling services. (L. 2004 H.B. 1136)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.390 Right to legal abortion not affected.

194.390. Right to legal abortion not affected. — Nothing in sections 194.375 to 194.390 shall be construed to prohibit a woman's ability to obtain a legal abortion. (L. 2004 H.B. 1136)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.400 Definitions.

194.400. Definitions. — As used in sections 194.400 to 194.410 the following words and phrases mean: (1) "Council" , the Missouri advisory council on historic preservation created under section 253.408 ; (2) "Cultural items" , shall include: (a) "Associated funerary objects" , objects that are reasonably believed to have been placed with individual human remains either at the time of death, or during the death rite or ceremony, or later, and all other items exclusively made for burial purposes including items made to contain human remains; (b) "Unassociated funerary objects" , objects that are reasonably believed to have been placed with individual human remains either at the time of death or during the death rite or ceremony, or later, which can be identified by a preponderance of the evidence as related to known human remains or an unmarked human burial site or can be identified as having been removed from a specific unmarked human burial site; (3) "General archaeological investigation" , refers to: (a) Excavations performed by professional archaeologists usually consisting of a structured scientific undertaking comprised of three segments including field investigations, laboratory analysis, and preparation and submission of a report of investigation; and (b) Identification of the presence of human remains in excavated materials considered to occur at the completion of the laboratory analysis segment of the studies as above; (4) "Professional archaeologist" , a person who has a graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field, at least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration of management, or at least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archaeology and demonstrated ability to carry archaeological research to completion, as evidenced by a master of arts or master of science thesis, or report equivalent in scope and quality; (5) "Second or subsequent violation" , any violation, other than the first violation, of a criminal law related to the trafficking of human remains or cultural items located in the state of Missouri, the United States, or any other state; (6) "Skeletal analyst" , a person possessing a postgraduate degree representing specialized training in skeletal biology, forensic osteology, or other relevant aspects of physical anthropology. The skeletal analyst shall have a minimum experience of one year in conducting laboratory reconstruction and analysis, and shall have demonstrated the ability to design and execute a skeletal analysis, and to present the written results and interpretations of such analysis in a thorough, scientific, and timely manner; (7) "Specific scientific investigations" , refers to detailed studies of human remains by professional archaeologists, anthropologists, osteologists, or professionals in related disciplines; (8) "State historic preservation officer" , the director of the department of natural resources; (9) "Unmarked human burial" , any instance where human skeletal remains are discovered or believed to exist, but for which there exists no written historical documentation or grave markers. (L. 1987 S.B. 24 § 1, A.L. 1996 S.B. 834, A.L. 2018 S.B. 843)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.405 Scope of law.

194.405. Scope of law. — When an unmarked human burial or human skeletal remains are encountered during archaeological excavation, construction, or other ground disturbing activities, whether found on or in any private lands or waters or on or in any lands or waters owned by the state of Missouri or its political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, the provisions of sections 194.400 to 194.410 shall apply. (L. 1987 S.B. 24 § 2)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.406 Unmarked human burials, knowledge or discovery - notice to local law ...

194.406. Unmarked human burials, knowledge or discovery — notice to local law enforcement officer or state historic preservation officer — jurisdiction, how determined. — 1. Any person knowing or with reason to know that an unmarked human burial or human skeletal remains are being disturbed, destroyed, defaced, mutilated, removed, or excavated, or exposed shall immediately notify either the state historic preservation officer or the local law enforcement officer with jurisdiction for the area in which the burial or remains are encountered. 2. When an unmarked human burial or human skeletal remains are encountered as a result of construction or agricultural earth disturbing activities or by a professional archaeologist in the course of an investigation all such activities shall cease immediately within a radius of fifty feet of the point of discovery. Such activity shall not resume without specific authorization from either the state historic preservation officer or the local law enforcement officer, whichever party has jurisdiction over and responsibility for such remains. Said parties shall act promptly and make a decision within a reasonable time. Jurisdiction will be determined as follows: (1) If upon investigation, the local law enforcement officer determines that the human skeletal remains may be involved in a legal investigation, that officer will immediately assume all jurisdiction over and responsibility for such remains; (2) If upon investigation, the local enforcement officer determines that the remains are not involved in a legal investigation, the state historic preservation officer or his duly designated representative shall assume responsibility for such remains. (L. 1987 S.B. 24 § 3)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.407 State historic preservation officer, jurisdiction of unmarked human ...

194.407. State historic preservation officer, jurisdiction of unmarked human burials, duties — general archaeological investigation, when — professional archaeologist, advise state historic preservation officer, when. — 1. In cases where an unmarked human burial or human skeletal remains are discovered as a result of construction or agricultural earth disturbing activities and where the state historic preservation officer has been determined to have jurisdiction, the state historic preservation officer shall determine whether removal of the human skeletal remains is necessary and appropriate for the purpose of scientific analysis. A general archaeological investigation of the site shall be conducted by a professional archaeologist and the professional archaeologist shall advise the state historic preservation officer of the physical location and the cultural and biological characteristics of the unmarked human burial or human skeletal remains within thirty days after the state historic preservation officer assumed jurisdiction over the burial or remains. 2. In cases where an unmarked human burial or skeletal remains are discovered by a professional archaeologist in the course of an investigation, and where the state historic preservation officer has been determined to have jurisdiction, the professional archaeologist shall advise the state historic preservation officer of the physical location and the cultural and biological characteristics of the unmarked human burial or human skeletal remains within thirty days after the state historic officer assumed jurisdiction. 3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained no construction shall be suspended or delayed more than thirty days. (L. 1987 S.B. 24 § 4)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.408 State historic preservation officer, reinterment, duties - consultation ...

194.408. State historic preservation officer, reinterment, duties — consultation with advisory council on historic preservation, when — conformity with federal law. — 1. Whenever an unmarked human burial or human skeletal remains are reported to the state historic preservation officer, the state historic preservation officer shall proceed as follows: (1) Insofar as possible, the state historic preservation officer shall make reasonable efforts to identify and locate persons who can establish direct kinship with or descent from the individual whose remains constitute the burial. The state historic preservation officer, in consultation with the most closely related family member, shall determine the proper disposition of the remains; (2) When no direct kin or descendants can be identified or located, but the burial or remains can be shown to have ethnic affinity with living peoples, the state historic preservation officer in consultation with the leaders of the ethnic groups having a relation to the burial or remains shall determine the proper disposition of the remains. But, if the state historic preservation officer determines the burial or remains are scientifically significant, no reinterment shall occur until the burial or remains have been examined by a skeletal analyst designated by the state historic preservation officer. In no event shall reinterment be delayed more than one year; (3) When the burial or remains cannot be related to any living peoples, the state historic preservation officer, in consultation with the Missouri advisory council on historic preservation, shall determine the proper disposition of the burial or remains. But, if the state historic preservation officer determines the burial or remains are scientifically significant, no reinterment shall occur until the burial or remains have been examined by a skeletal analyst designated by the state historic preservation officer. In no event shall reinterment be delayed more than one year unless otherwise and to the extent determined by the council; (4) Notwithstanding subdivisions (2) and (3) of this section the state historical preservation officer may seek approval from the council to delay reinterment of the remains for an additional scientific study in a facility chosen by the state historic preservation officer. If the study is approved by the council reinterment shall be delayed for a period as specified by the council. 2. All actions and decisions of the state historic preservation officer and the council shall be in conformity with the provisions of the federal National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). (L. 1987 S.B. 24 § 5, A.L. 2018 S.B. 843)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.410 Human burial sites - knowingly disturb, penalty - appropriation for sale, ...

194.410. Human burial sites — knowingly disturb, penalty — appropriation for sale, penalty. — 1. Any person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, or organization who knowingly disturbs, destroys, vandalizes, or damages a marked or unmarked human burial site commits a class E felony. 2. Any person who knowingly appropriates for profit, uses for profit, sells, purchases or transports for sale or profit any human remains without the right of possession to those remains as provided in sections 194.400 to 194.410 commits a class A misdemeanor and, in the case of a second or subsequent violation, commits a class E felony. 3. Any person who knowingly appropriates for profit, uses for profit, sells, purchases or transports for sale or profit any cultural items obtained in violation of sections 194.400 to 194.410 commits a class A misdemeanor and, in the case of a second or subsequent violation, commits a class E felony. (L. 1987 S.B. 24 § 7, A.L. 1990 H.B. 1079, A.L. 1996 S.B. 834, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491) Effective 1-01-17

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.425 Abandonment of a corpse without notifying authorities, penalty.

194.425. Abandonment of a corpse without notifying authorities, penalty. — 1. A person commits the crime of abandonment of a corpse if that person abandons, disposes, deserts or leaves a corpse without properly reporting the location of the body to the proper law enforcement officials in that county. 2. Abandonment of a corpse is a class E felony. (L. 1995 H.B. 160 § 578.157, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491) Effective 1-01-17

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.500 Definitions.

194.500. Definitions. — As used in sections 194.500 to 194.512 , the following terms mean: (1) "Funeral director" , a person licensed as a funeral director pursuant to the provisions of chapter 333 ; (2) "Funeral lead vehicle" or "lead vehicle" , any motor vehicle equipped with at least one lighted circulating lamp exhibiting an amber or purple light or lens or alternating flashing headlamps visible under normal atmospheric conditions for a distance of five hundred feet from the front of the vehicle. A hearse or coach properly equipped may be a lead vehicle; (3) "Organized funeral procession" , two or more vehicles accompanying the remains of a deceased person from a funeral establishment, church, synagogue or other place where a funeral service has taken place to a cemetery, crematory or other place of final disposition, or a funeral establishment, church, synagogue or other place where additional funeral services will be performed, if directed by a licensed funeral director from a licensed establishment. (L. 1999 S.B. 270)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.503 Right-of-way - use of lead vehicles - emergency vehicles with right-of-way, ...

194.503. Right-of-way — use of lead vehicles — emergency vehicles with right-of-way, when. — 1. Except as otherwise provided for in this subsection, pedestrians and operators of all other vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which is a part of an organized funeral procession. 2. Notwithstanding any traffic control device or right-of-way provision prescribed by state or local law, when the funeral lead vehicle in an organized funeral procession lawfully enters an intersection, all vehicles in the procession shall follow the lead vehicle through the intersection. The operator of each vehicle in the procession shall exercise the highest degree of care toward any other vehicle or pedestrian on the roadway. 3. An organized funeral procession shall have the right-of-way at all intersections regardless of any traffic control device at such intersections, except that operators of vehicles in an organized funeral procession shall yield the right-of-way to any approaching emergency vehicle pursuant to the provisions of section 304.022 or when directed to do so by a law enforcement officer. (L. 1999 S.B. 270)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.506 Following distance - flashing emergency lights used, when - toll-free ...

194.506. Following distance — flashing emergency lights used, when — toll-free passage, when. — 1. All vehicles in an organized funeral procession shall follow the preceding vehicle in the procession as closely as is practical and safe under the conditions. 2. No person shall operate any vehicle as part of an organized funeral procession without the flashing emergency lights of such vehicle being lighted. 3. Toll-free passage shall be given on all toll bridges, tunnels and other toll highways to all vehicles in an organized funeral procession. (L. 1999 S.B. 270)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.509 Regulations for nonparticipating vehicle operators - violations, penalty.

194.509. Regulations for nonparticipating vehicle operators — violations, penalty. — 1. Any person who is not an operator of a vehicle in an organized funeral procession shall not: (1) Drive between the vehicles comprising an organized funeral procession while such vehicles are in motion and have the flashing emergency lights lighted pursuant to subsection 2 of section 194.506 , except when required to do so by a law enforcement officer or when such person is operating an emergency vehicle giving an audible or visual signal; (2) Join a funeral procession for the purpose of securing the right-of-way granted in section 194.506 ; or (3) Attempt to pass any vehicle in an organized funeral procession, except where a passing lane has been specifically provided. 2. When an organized funeral procession is proceeding through a red signal light as permitted in section 194.503 , a vehicle not in the organized funeral procession shall not enter the intersection unless such vehicle may do so without crossing the path of the funeral procession. 3. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of an infraction which shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars. (L. 1999 S.B. 270)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 194.512 Use of amber lights for motorcycles - ordinances permitted.

194.512. Use of amber lights for motorcycles — ordinances permitted. — 1. No ordinance, regulation or any other provision of law shall prohibit the use of a motorcycle utilizing flashing amber lights to escort an organized funeral procession on the highway. 2. Any city, town, village or county may adopt an ordinance substantially similar to the provisions of sections 194.500 to 194.512 . (L. 1999 S.B. 270)

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=194Fetched: 10/17/2026