A person who 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.
Uniform determination of death
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4-16., under Chapter 23-4 Office of State Medical Examiners.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4-16.