Provides for the operation of the donate life registry for organ, eye and tissue donation by a not-for-profit organization

3 Co-sponsors

• David Carlucci
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• José M. Serrano

BILL NUMBER:S5046A

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law and the state finance law, in relation to organ, eye and tissue donation

Purpose

This bill provides for the operation of the donate life registry for organ, eye, and tissue donation by a not-for-profit organization.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 is the legislative intent.

The bill amends section 4310 of the public health law to include the word "eye" the New York state donate life registry. The bill authorizes the operation of the organ, eye, and tissue donation registry by a not-for-profit contractor, and makes various technical changes to the registry law.

The bill clarifies the provision for use of an electronic signature.

The bill amends subdivision 3 of section 95-d of the state finance law by eliminating language that limits expenditures from the Life Pass It On fund to organ transplant research and education projects approved by the commissioner of health, or grants provided to not-for-profit corporations that promote organ and tissue donation awareness.

Section 5 of the bill is the effective date.

Justification

New York State currently ranks 48th in donor designation share (percent- age of eligible population enrolled in the Registry) in the nation, with only 20% of its population enrolled in the New York State Donate Life Registry, while it has the third highest need for transplantable organs. Under the current model, one New Yorker dies every 13 hours while waiting for a transplant.

This legislation proposes that New York State increase enrollment in the Donate Life Registry by following the example of states with the highest donor designation share. Eight of the top ten states, all of which have a share of over 60%, have turned over the operation and promotion of their registries to not-for-profit organizations. Many other large and complex states, like California, Texas, Illinois. and Florida, have also taken the step of enlisting a not-for-profit organization to operate the registry. By contracting with a statewide not-for-profit organization, with a mission dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation, New York State can increase enrollment by streamlining the registration process and creating new avenues for promotion.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall become law.