SB 5509-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares that the creation of a statewide organ and tissue donor registry is crucial to facilitate timely and successful organ and tissue procurement.

Finds that continuing education as to the existence and maintenance of a statewide organ and tissue donor registry is in the best interest of the people of the state of Washington.

Directs the department of licensing to electronically transfer all information that appears on the front of a driver's license or identicard including the name, gender, date of birth, and most recent address of any person who obtains a driver's license or identicard and volunteers to donate organs or tissue upon death to any Washington state organ procurement organization that intends to establish a statewide organ and tissue donor registry as provided under this act. All subsequent electronic transfers of donor information shall be at no charge to this Washington state organ procurement organization.

Provides that information obtained by a Washington state organ procurement organization under this act shall be used for the purpose of establishing a statewide organ and tissue donor registry accessible to in-state recognized cadaveric organ and cadaveric tissue agencies for the recovery or placement of organs and tissue and to procurement agencies in another state when a Washington state resident is a donor of an anatomical gift and is not located in this state at the time of death or immediately before the death of the donor.

Provides that all reasonable costs associated with the creation of an organ and tissue donor registry shall be paid by the Washington state organ procurement organization that has requested the information. The reasonable costs associated with the initial installation and setup for electronic transfer of the donor information at the department of licensing shall be paid by the Washington state organ procurement organization that requested the information.

Declares that an individual does not need to participate in the organ and tissue donor registry to be a donor of organs or tissue. The registry is to facilitate organ and tissue donations and not inhibit persons from being donors upon death.

Provides that an applicant for a new or renewed registration for a vehicle required to be registered under chapter 46.12 RCW or chapter 46.16 RCW may make a donation of one dollar or more to the organ and tissue donation awareness account to promote the donation of organs and tissues under the provisions of the uniform anatomical gift act, RCW 68.50.520 through 68.50.630.