State Board of Medical Examiners Reviews Who Can Declare Brain Death
Having a loved one declared brain dead is devastating. Families can wait hours for physicians to consult and make the official determination. The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners is proposing to streamline the process by allowing just one physician to declare brain death.
A recent article in the Star Ledger discussed the process that is in place now and the possible changes. Currently, the decision must be made by at least two physicians, and one must be a neurologist or neurosurgeon. The Board is seeking to change that, allowing other specialists, such as critical care doctors and trauma surgeons, to make the declaration on their own. The new rules will still require tests to confirm the absence of brain activity.
There is concern from doctors, as well as family members, about the changes. Declaring brain death is a major decision, and many are not comfortable with this decision being made by one person.
We will keep you informed on the outcome of this proposal.
A recent article in the Star Ledger discussed the process that is in place now and the possible changes. Currently, the decision must be made by at least two physicians, and one must be a neurologist or neurosurgeon. The Board is seeking to change that, allowing other specialists, such as critical care doctors and trauma surgeons, to make the declaration on their own. The new rules will still require tests to confirm the absence of brain activity.
There is concern from doctors, as well as family members, about the changes. Declaring brain death is a major decision, and many are not comfortable with this decision being made by one person.
We will keep you informed on the outcome of this proposal.
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