AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, relative to anatomical gifts.
Impact
The introduction of SB1114 seeks to improve the rate of organ donations by ensuring that individuals are comprehensively informed about their options and the implications of such decisions. It reinforces the state's commitment to facilitating anatomical gifts and clarifies the responsibilities of procurement organizations. By adding these specific communication requirements, this bill could potentially lead to an increase in donations, improving health outcomes for recipients in need of transplants.
Summary
Senate Bill 1114 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 68, in relation to anatomical gifts. The bill proposes that procurement organizations, or their designees, must inform individuals listed in a specific section after the passing of a decedent about their options regarding anatomical gifts. These gifts could include the whole body or parts such as skin, bones, veins, and arteries, thus enhancing the potential for organ and tissue donation in the state. The amendments emphasize the importance of clear communication about the processes involved and the condition of the body after the anatomical gift process is completed.
Contention
While the bill appears to promote beneficial outcomes associated with organ donation, it may raise ethical considerations regarding the timing and manner of communication with families in their time of grief. There could be discussions around balancing the need for donations with the sensitivities surrounding the deceased and their loved ones. Some stakeholders may argue that the mandated information could be overwhelming during a period of loss and could impact the decision of individuals regarding anatomical gifts.