SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5386

As of March 3, 2011

Title: An act relating to establishing a work group to increase organ donation in Washington state.

Brief Description: Creating an organ donation work group.

Sponsors: Senator Pridemore.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/03/11.

Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7465)

Background: Washington's Uniform Anatomical Gift Act permits a person to donate all or part of his or her body to another person, hospital, procurement organization, research institution, and other entities for transplantation, research, or the advancement of science. An organ donor may indicate his or her intent to donate by signing a document of gift. This may be a driver's license or a donor card.

Approximately 90,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list; 1200 of these are listed at the Washington State transplant centers. There is ongoing interest in improving the state's system for organ donation as the need for organs continues to grow.

Summary of Bill: A work group is created to study how other states and countries have developed sustainable programs for increasing organ donation in their communities. The work group will consider all current strategies and include representatives from designated organ procurement organizations, a transplant center, the Washington Medical Association, the Washington Hospital Association, a licensed eye bank, a tissue band, and a research organization. The work group will use no state funds and report to the Legislature by December 30, 2011, with recommendations for increasing organ donations in Washington State.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.