In Ohio, No Need for Relatives to Agree to Organ Donation
Under a new Ohio law, it is becoming easier for authorities to follow through on the wishes of registered organ donors: families of registered donors can no longer object to having the relative's organs donated.
Ohio Senate bill 188 was signed into law on December 13 by Governor Bob Taft.
"As a registered organ donor myself, I am proud to sign a bill that will ensure a donor's wishes are heard and that people in need of organs get the organs they need in a timely manner," said Governor Taft.
Drivers in Ohio can continue to indicate on their driver's license that that wish to become an organ donor. However, under the new law, their names also will be recorded on a statewide registry. The law requires the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to establish and maintain a registry of organ donors that can be accessed around the clock by organ, tissue, and eye procurement organizations.
The law also allows family members to will organs to each other in the event of an untimely death. It also creates the Second Chance Trust Fund Advisory Committee, which will serve to promote organ donation as well as formulate rules and regulations of the donor registry, the governor's office said.
Ohio newspapers reported that the new law took effect immediately, but the 24-hour registry
is not expected to become available until July 2002.
For Your Information:
Governor Taft's office posts a statement at
www2.state.oh.us/gov/releases/121320004441.htm.
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