C.R.S. Section 15-19-102
Legislative declaration

  • construction

(1)

The general assembly finds and declares that:

(a)

A competent adult individual has the right and power to direct the disposition of his or her remains after death and should be protected from interested persons who may try to impose their wishes regarding such disposition contrary to the deceased’s desires.

(b)

A statute that determines priority of individuals to direct the disposition of a decedent’s remains is necessary if the decedent fails to direct such disposition or fails to provide the resources necessary to carry out such disposition or if a dispute arises between interested persons regarding such disposition.

(c)

The right to direct the disposition of one’s remains must be stated in writing to better protect a third party who relies in good faith on such decisions.

(2)

This part 1 shall be interpreted liberally to carry out a decedent’s intent when not conflicting with this part 1.

(3)

This part 1 shall not be construed to:

(a)

Subject to section 15-19-104 (3), invalidate a declaration or a will, codicil, trust, power of appointment, or power of attorney;

(b)

Invalidate any act of an agent, guardian, or conservator;

(c)

Affect any claim, right, or remedy that accrued prior to August 6, 2003;

(d)

Authorize or encourage acts that violate the constitution, statutes, rules, case law, or public policy of Colorado or the United States;

(e)

Abridge contracts;

(f)

Modify the standards, ethics, or protocols of the practice of medicine;

(g)

Compel or authorize a health-care provider or health-care facility, as defined in section 15-14-505, to administer medical treatment that is medically inappropriate or contrary to federal or other Colorado law; or

(h)

Permit or authorize euthanasia or an affirmative or deliberate act to end a person’s life.

Source: Section 15-19-102 — Legislative declaration - construction, https://leg.­colorado.­gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-15.­pdf (accessed Oct. 20, 2023).

15‑19‑101
Short title 15‑19‑102
Legislative declaration - construction 15‑19‑103
Definitions 15‑19‑104
Declaration of disposition of last remains 15‑19‑105
Reliance - declarations 15‑19‑106
Right of final disposition 15‑19‑106.5
Disposition of abandoned cremated remains of veterans - liability - applicability - definitions 15‑19‑107
Declaration of disposition of last remains 15‑19‑108
Interstate effect of declaration 15‑19‑109
Effect of criminal charges 15‑19‑110
Natural reduction 15‑19‑201
Short title 15‑19‑202
Definitions 15‑19‑203
Applicability 15‑19‑204
Who may make anatomical gift before donor’s death 15‑19‑205
Manner of making anatomical gift before donor’s death 15‑19‑206
Amending or revoking anatomical gift before donor’s death 15‑19‑207
Refusal to make anatomical gift - effect of refusal 15‑19‑208
Preclusive effect of anatomical gift, amendment, or revocation 15‑19‑209
Who may make anatomical gift of decedent’s body or part 15‑19‑210
Manner of making, amending, or revoking anatomical gift of decedent’s body or part 15‑19‑211
Persons that may receive anatomical gift - purpose of anatomical gift 15‑19‑212
Search and notification 15‑19‑213
Delivery of document of gift not required - right to examine 15‑19‑214
Rights and duties of procurement organization and others 15‑19‑215
Coordination of procurement and use 15‑19‑216
Sale or purchase of parts prohibited 15‑19‑217
Other prohibited acts 15‑19‑218
Immunity 15‑19‑219
Law governing validity - choice of law as to execution of document of gift - presumption of validity 15‑19‑220
Donor registry 15‑19‑221
Effect of anatomical gift on advance health-care directive - definitions 15‑19‑222
Cooperation between coroner and procurement organization 15‑19‑223
Facilitation of anatomical gift from decedent whose body is under jurisdiction of coroner 15‑19‑224
Uniformity of application and construction 15‑19‑225
Relation to “Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act” 15‑19‑301
Board for distribution of unclaimed human bodies - rules 15‑19‑302
Duty of public officers as to unclaimed bodies 15‑19‑303
Claiming of body - publication of notice 15‑19‑304
Disposition of all or any portion of body after death - nonliability 15‑19‑305
Unlawful to hold autopsy 15‑19‑306
Holding of body for twenty days 15‑19‑307
Disposition of remains 15‑19‑308
Expense to be borne by institutions 15‑19‑309
Penalty
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Current through Fall 2024

§ 15-19-102’s source at colorado​.gov