Grants the transplant council the power to make recommendations to the commissioner of health relating to organ donation, procurement organizations, banks and storage

1 Co-sponsor

• John J. Flanagan

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the transplant council

Purpose

To further empower the transplant council to aid the department in addressing issues and improving regulations surrounding organ donation, procurement and/or transplantation.

Summary of provisions

Section one section 4361 of the public health law by adding language requiring the transplant council to make recommendations to the commissioner and expanding the scope of those recommendations to include matters relating to organ donation and provide for recommendations annually. Subdivisions 5 and 6 are renumbered 6 and 7 and a new subdivision 5 is added which establishes that a majority of the appointed voting membership of the council's board shall constitute a quorum. Subdivision 7 is amended by specifying that the commissioner must provide a written report to the transplant council if the commissioner determines not to promulgate or amend rules and regulations proposed by the council.

Section two provides that this act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

The Transplant Council was created many years ago with the intention of assisting and advising the Department of Health in addressing issues around the critical areas of organ transplants and procurement. The council is made up of a broad range of members with medical, institutional and personal experience in this area. The Council is a resource that the state should rely upon as we work to increase the number of donors and transplants.

About 1,500 people receive organ transplants each year, however more than 10,000 are on lists awaiting kidneys, livers and hearts. The need for donated organs far exceeds the supply. Each person who donates organs (hearts, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestine) can save up to eight lives, while tissue donors (corneas, bone, skin, heart valves, tendons, veins, etc) can help improve the lives of as many as fifty patients. Unfortunately, New York ranks near last in the number of people who have registered as organ donors.

This bill expends the scope and role of the Council to include donation and asks that they make annual recommendations to the Department of Health on issues relating to transplantation, procurement and donation. The transplant council is a resource of experts who are committed to these issues. They can provide valuable insight and recommendations to the state which can literally help save lives.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.