HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. SSB 6667

Establishing Wash. Gift of Life Medal                Hrg. Date:  2/25/98

Brief Title

Senators Sheldon, B./Winsley                              Staff Contact: S. Lundin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7127

BACKGROUND:

Medical technology now enables parts of human bodies to be transplanted.

SUMMARY:

The Washington Gift of Life Medal is established to be awarded by the Office of the Governor at the request of an organ donor's family or an accredited or federally certified organ procurement organization.  Each medal is bronze, suspended from a ring attached by a dark green ribbon, includes the seal of the state surrounded by a raised laurel wreath with the following inscribed words: AFor the greatest act of kindness in donating organs to enhance the lives of others.@

An organ procurement organization must determine that the person for whom a medal is sought has made the donation and submits documentation to the office of the Governor.  If more than one organ procurement organization is involved, the organizations shall coordinate in harmony to designate by consensus the organization with primary administrative responsibility.

Only one medal is awarded for an eligible person, but duplicate medals may be purchased by the family or person eligible to receive the medal at a price sufficient to cover the cost.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.