New legislation introduced in April will help Michigan family doctors and urgent care centers provide patients with information about organ, tissue and bone marrow donation. The bipartisan effort is supported by Gift of Life Michigan.
“Studies show that family doctors are among those most trusted by those hesitant to join donor registries. This legislation will encourage family doctors in Michigan to provide information about donation and encourage everyone to add their name to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry,” said Patrick Wells-O’Brien, vice president, communications and external relations.
The bill is being introduced by State Rep. Lori Stone, (D-Warren) and State Sen. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City).
In 2021, both chambers unanimously approved the HOPE Act, which allows organs from HIV-positive patients to be transplanted into HIV-positive recipients here in Michigan. The measure was signed into law by the governor in November.
Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan said she’s encouraged that both parties support this new legislation.
“I hope the same bipartisan support will move this bill swiftly through the process to become law,” she said. “We stand at the ready to provide family doctors in Michigan with resources to have meaningful conversations about donation and encourage their patients to register as donors.”
