Transplantation and the Law: Progress toward Uniformity

Abstract

Abstract New laws based on the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act had been enacted in 41 states as of February 9, 1970. Most of these states adopted the Uniform Act with little or no change. The few important amendments include raising the donor age from 18, modifying the "good-faith" standard of care and altering the provision dealing with separation of responsibility. Progress toward uniformity of legislation allows efforts to be directed to efficient implementation of the law. This includes donation mechanisms for both the individual and the next of kin. The establishment of regional (and eventually national) networks of organ and tissue sharing indicate that there will be increasing quantities of tissue crossing state lines. Although all states have statutes dealing with the transportation of dead human bodies, only three refer specifically to the transport of organs and tissue for use in medical science, and these are permissive.