> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.b2ihealthcare.com/snow-owl-authoring-platform/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.b2ihealthcare.com/snow-owl-authoring-platform/reference-sets/authoring/removing-reference-set-members.md).
# Removing Reference Set Members
### Inactivation
Inactivating a Reference Set member will keep it in the database with the status: `inactive`. This is the action to take at released Reference Set members that become deprecated but cannot be deleted, or at non-released members where the status will be likely to be set back to active in the future.
If the referenced component is inactivated, that will result in the Reference Set member being automatically inactivated as well.
**Remove a published member:**
*  **Remove/Retire member button*****:*** Select members in the table and clicking the Remove button in the editor toolbar.
* **Context menu**: Right-clicking on a member and selecting *Remove/Retire reference set member(s)* from the editor context menu.
* **In-cell edit**: To change a member's status click on the cell where it's displayed for the member and pick `inactive` from the drop-down menu
**Inactivate an unpublished member:**
In case of non-released members, using the **Remove/Retire reference set member** action would permanently remove the member from the database. If the intention is to make the membership inactive, use the status drop-down menu instead (see screenshot above).
### Deletion
Deletion permanently removes the member from the database and cannot be undone. When you want to delete a deprecated Reference Set member you need to keep in mind that the referenced components will not be deleted. However, if one of the unreleased referenced components is deleted, the associated Reference Set member will be automatically deleted too.
You can delete an unpublished member by
*  **Remove/Retire reference set member(s) button*****:*** Select members in the table and click the button in the editor toolbar.
* **Context Menu**: Right-clicking on a member and selecting **Remove/Retire reference set member(s)** from the editor Context Menu.
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://docs.b2ihealthcare.com/snow-owl-authoring-platform/reference-sets/authoring/removing-reference-set-members.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.