Revising Public Policy to Increase Support for Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation in One US State. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Larson, Susan; Gunderson, Susan
• Is Part Of: Transplantation. Volume 101(2017)Supplement 8S-2
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc -- Periodicals; Transplantation immunology -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000525087.33105.15
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-1337

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Public support for donation is measured by the percent of people who register as donors on their state drivers' license. In 2012 the percentage was lower in the State of SD than surrounding states. State laws were enacted which created a better system for donor registration and public education with the goal of increasing the number of registered donors. Methods: In 2012 55% of adults in SD were registered donors. This was lower than bordering states of MN which had 62% of adults registered and ND which had 67% of adults registered. All three of the states are served through one OPO. A review of the situation in South Dakota resulted in identification of public policy opportunities which would advocate for and support donation. These included making it easier for people to add donor to their driver license by simplifying the process, allowing people to register online, ensuring all people receive information about donation, creating Donate Life license plates on automobiles, and providing data to the OPO for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of donation programs. Results: These improvements were drafted into a proposed state law. OPO leaders, hospital leaders, elected officials, and policy leaders worked together to pass the new state laws. The laws were introduced by the Governor, passed through the state legislature and enacted in 2013. The % of designated donors increased from 55% in 2012 to 56% in 2013, 58% in 2014, 61% in 2015, and 64% in 2016. During the same time frame donor registration in MN increased at a much slower rate going from 62% to 63% and in ND donor registration stayed at 67%. Conclusion: Donor registration provides people a means to document their decision to be a donor and ensure that decision is honored at the time of their death. Ineffective public policy can be a barrier to people registering as donors. Assessing the government system for donor registration and revising public policy guiding the donor registration process can result in increased public participation in donation.