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A model statute, intended for adoption in every jurisdiction. This law provided the legal foundation upon which human organs and tissues can be donated for transplantation by execution of a document of gift. Deemed a person's legal consent to donate before death sufficient under the law (without an indication that the consent was no longer valid).
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Amended the Social Security Act (End-Stage Renal Disease Program—Improvements) to provide for coverage under Medicare for end stage renal disease patients to receive kidney transplantation services.
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Provided for the establishment of the Task Force on Organ Transplantation, authorized the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for organ procurement organizations, created the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to be run by contract by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, created the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, and created an administrative unit within the Department of Health and Human Services to administer these activities.
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Provided for the designation of pediatric hospitals that perform pediatric heart transplants as meeting certification requirements as heart transplant facilities in specified circumstances.
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Deferred a certification requirement with respect to organ procurement organizations.
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Provided for the establishment and maintenance of a National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. This law made other amendments to existing procurement and transplantation authorities.
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Amended NOTA to require the OPTN to consider special issues concerning pediatric patients and organ allocation.
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Clarified that paired donation, as defined in the act, is not considered valuable consideration for purposes of Section 301 of NOTA; requires annual report that details the progress towards understanding the long-term health impacts of living donation.
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Establishes authority for the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a National Medal honoring organ donors.