October 20, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm yesterday signed legislation that requires medical examiners to allow medically suitable organs to be used for human transplant.
 
“This bill removes barriers to organ donation and will help ensure much-needed organs can reach the most people possible, helping them to live longer, more healthful lives,” Granholm said.  “Only one day has passed since this bill became law, and already organs have been placed and the recipients have been given new hope for a better life,” Granholm said.
 
House Bill 4938 (Public Act 176) requires county medical examiners to notify Michigan’s federally designated organ procurement organization, Gift of Life, when the examiner has determined that a body might be suitable for organ donation.  The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joe Hune, also requires examiners to make speedy examinations of known organ donors and enter into agreements with Gift of Life, assuring the parties will take certain steps to facilitate the speedy donation of organs and tissues.
 
In identical letters to Governor Granholm yesterday, Representative Hune and Representative John J. Gleason asked that quick action be taken on the bill after the medical examiner in Saginaw County refused donation of a deceased five month old, despite permission from the parents.
 
“The only plausible hope to provide the Gift of Life from this infant donor to other infants is for you to sign HB 4938 into law within the next hour or so.  We could then have the legal authority to proceed with this life saving organ donation,” they wrote.
 
The legislation took immediate effect.