An individual who, in the opinion of a medical doctor licensed in Alabama, has sustained either (1) irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions, or (2) irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem, is dead. A determination of death must be made in accordance with accepted medical standards.

Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a physician from using other procedures based on accepted medical standards for determining death as the exclusive basis for pronouncing a person dead.

(a) When a part of a donor is proposed to be used for transplantation pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 19 of this title and the death of the donor is determined as set forth in Section 22-31-1, there shall be an independent confirmation of the death by another medical doctor licensed in Alabama. Neither the physician making the determination of death nor the physician making the independent confirmation shall participate in the procedures for removing or transplanting a part.

(b) When a part of a donor is proposed to be used for transplantation pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 19 of this title and the death of the donor is determined as set forth in Section 22-31-1, complete patient medical records shall be kept, maintained and preserved.

A person who acts in accordance with the terms of this chapter is not liable for damages in any civil action or subject to prosecution in any criminal proceeding for his act.