S.C. Code Ann. § 44-43-380 – Acceptance or rejection of gift; disposition of remainder of body; determination of time of death; immunity from liability; article subject to laws with respect to autopsies

(a) The donee may accept or reject the gift. If the donee accepts a gift of the entire body, he may, subject to the terms of the gift, authorize embalming and the use of the body in funeral services. If the gift is of a part of the body, the donee, upon the death of the donor and prior to embalming, shall cause the part to be removed without unnecessary mutilation. After removal of the part, custody of the remainder of the body vests in the surviving spouse, next of kin or other persons under obligation to dispose of the body.
(b) The time of death shall be determined by a physician who attends the donor at his death, or, if none, the physician who certifies the death. This physician shall not participate in the procedures for removing or transplanting a part.
(c) A person who acts in good faith in accord with the terms of this article, or under the anatomical gift laws of another state is not liable for damages in any civil action or subject to prosecution in any criminal proceeding for his act. Provided, however, that such immunity from civil liability shall not extend to cases of provable malpractice on the part of any physician, surgeon or other medical attendant.
(d) The provisions of this article are subject to the laws of this State prescribing powers and duties with respect to autopsies.