New York State Working To Increase Organ Donations

In recognition of National Organ Donor Day, Senator John Flanagan (2^nd Senate District) announced that a new law permitting sixteen and seventeen years olds to enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry is now in effect.  The change, which Senator Flanagan sponsored along with Senator Kemp Hannon (6^th Senate District) will enable these younger New Yorkers to register as life-saving organ donors when they first apply for a driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID.

Prior to this law’s effect, the minimum age to sign up as an organ donor in New York State was eighteen.

“Up until now, New York law has prevented our state’s younger residents from registering as donors.  This new law opens up the registry to these young men and women, which will surely help increase the number of donors in our state.  It will also have the added benefit of raising awareness of this issue by bringing the discussion into schools and homes throughout the state.  Simply put, that will help save lives and help many of our fellow New York residents,” stated Senator Flanagan.

The New York State Donate Life Registry is a confidential, computerized system that registers an individual's consent to donate his/her organs upon death.  Under State law, the Registry can only be accessed to determine an individual's donation status following death and only by a federally approved organ procurement organization or licensed eye and tissue bank.

Senator Hannon said, “Increasing the number of registered organ donors is of critical importance. I applaud the Governor for signing this important legislation into law and ensuring that 16 and 17 year old New Yorkers are able to take the heroic step of becoming organ donors.  With so many in need of this lifesaving gift, the implementation of this new law plays an important role in expanding New York State's Donate Life Registry."

Enrolling to be an organ donor will not affect one's medical care and/or funeral arrangements, and there is no cost to the donor's family.

Additionally, the legislation includes appropriate safeguards that enables parents or legal guardians to rescind the decision if a minor dies before age 18.

Residents, regardless of age, can get more information regarding organ donation in New York State, including how to register as a donor, on the New York State Health Department's website at www.health.ny.gov/donatelife.