If death is pronounced due to irreversible cessation of brain function, confirmation of death is made by whom?

• A. By the health officer
• B. By another physician
• C. By a police officer
• D. By the coroner

Answer: (B)

Brain death requires independent verification. When a physician determines irreversible cessation of all brain function, that physician can pronounce death, but a second physician must independently confirm the diagnosis. This extra step provides a safeguard against error and ensures the death certificate reflects brain death before any subsequent steps, like funeral arrangements or organ donation, proceed. Health officers, police officers, or coroners aren’t the usual officials to confirm brain-death pronouncements in this hospital-based scenario, which is why the confirmation is done by another physician.