Section 22-9A-1
Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) DEAD BODY. A human body or parts of the human body from the condition of which it reasonably may be concluded that death occurred.
(2) FETAL DEATH. Death prior to the complete expulsion or extraction from the mother of a product of human conception, irrespective of the duration of pregnancy and which is not an induced termination of pregnancy. The death is indicated by the fact that after the expulsion or extraction the fetus does not breathe or show any other evidence of life, such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles. Heartbeats are to be distinguished from transient cardiac contractions; respirations are to be distinguished from fleeting respiratory efforts or gasps.
(3) FILE. The presentation of a vital record provided for in this chapter for registration by the Office of Vital Statistics.
(4) FINAL DISPOSITION. The burial, interment, cremation, removal from the state, or other authorized disposition of a dead body or fetus.
(5) INDUCED TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY. The purposeful interruption of an intrauterine pregnancy with the intention other than to produce a live-born infant and which does not result in a live birth. This definition excludes management of prolonged retention of products of conception following fetal death.
(6) INSTITUTION. Any establishment, public or private, which provides inpatient or outpatient medical, surgical, or diagnostic care or treatment, mental treatment, or nursing, custodial, or domiciliary care.
(7) LIVE BIRTH. The complete expulsion or extraction from the mother of a product of human conception, irrespective of the duration of pregnancy, which, after such expulsion or extraction, breathes, or shows any other evidence of life such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, whether or not the umbilical cord has been cut or the placenta is attached. Heartbeats are to be distinguished from transient cardiac contractions; respirations are to be distinguished from fleeting respiratory efforts or gasps.
(8) PHYSICIAN. A person authorized or licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy pursuant to the laws of this state.
(9) REGISTRATION. The acceptance by the Office of Vital Statistics and the incorporation of vital records as provided for in this chapter into its official records.
(10) SYSTEM OF VITAL STATISTICS. The registration, collection, preservation, amendment, and certification of vital records; the collection of other reports required by this chapter; and activities related thereto, including, but not limited to, the tabulation, analysis, publication, and dissemination of vital statistics.
(11) VITAL RECORD. Certificates of birth, death, marriage, divorce, and related data.
(12) VITAL STATISTICS. The data derived from certificates and reports of birth, death, fetal death, induced terminations of pregnancy, marriage, divorce, and related reports.
(Acts 1992, No. 92-607, p. 1255, §1.)