New legislation encourages family doctors to educate about organ and tissue donation

Female doctor holding open chart looking at the camera

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.”

Read more in the Gift of LifeLINES newsletter

Read More Posts
A donor is wheeled into Gift of Life's operating room on a gurney.

The Facts: The organ donation process

Making the decision to become an organ donor upon your death is the first step…

Read More
A physician consults with the family member of a patient.

The Facts: What is first person authorization?

Choosing to sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry gives you the opportunity to…

Read More
Three members of a family (son, mom, grandma) gathered in discussion

I decided to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. What happens next?

Signing up to be an organ donor is just the first step in making your…

Read More
Richard "Jake" Jacobson and his dog at a sunflower farm

Veteran shares struggle in hopes to inspire “at least one”

Richard “Jake” Jacobson’s motto is “at least one.”  “My hope is that by sharing my…

Read More
X-ray images of brains

The Facts: Brain death, circulatory death and comas

Most Americans are in favor of organ donation, but not everyone who joins the donor…

Read More
Paddles for a Purpose

Grand Rapids pickleballers take on Guinness World Record for a worthy cause

Four Michigan pickleball players are hoping to set a new world record and raise both…

Read More
Scroll to Top