Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
Approved 1980

1. Life support systems may be removed from a patient who has suffered total brain death, that is, the total destruction of all brain functions and not merely the loss of the functions of the cerebrum alone.

2.The attending physician will determine that such total brain death has occurred according to the criteria established by the Medical and Scientific Staff-Faculty of Mercy Hospital.

3. The attending physician shall explain the nature of brain death and the reasons for discontinuing the life support systems to members of the patient's family or the legal guardian prior to taking action. He should seek the assistance of a competent member of the Pastoral Care Department in explaining his decision to the family or legal guardian.

4. Pronouncement of death is to be made by the attending physician prior to the removal of the support systems.

5. The attending physician shall indicate in the progress notes section of the patient's chart that he has verified the criteria for total brain death and has informed the patient's family or legal guardian of his decision.

The attending physician shall inform the president of the hospital or her designee and the appropriate members of the health care team (resident physician, nurses, pastoral care staff member) of his written orders to remove the life support systems.

Possible conflict between the attending physician and the patient's family and/or legal guardian should be resolved in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Medical and Scientific Staff-Faculty.