Durable Power Of Attorney For Health Care Page 14
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15QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Organ Donations
1. How can I be assured that my donation decision will be carried out?
First, discuss your wishes with your family because your next-of-kin will be requested to give
consent for donation at the time of your death. Then sign a donor card or the back of your driver’s
license in the presence of two witnesses.
2. Can the next-of-kin consent to a donation if the deceased family member has not
signed either a donor card or a driver’s license?
Yes. The Public Health Code (PA 368 of 1978) provides for this opportunity.
3. Can my donation decision be included in a will?
Yes. However, since organ donations must occur promptly, this will normally be ineffective because
will are rarely read, let alone probated, until long after the time for the organ donation has passed.
Still, the time of making a will may be a good time to discuss donation with family members. The
discussion with you next-of-kin is most important.
4. Who can be a donor?
Almost anyone. Poor health, poor eyesight, and age do not prohibit you from becoming a donor.
However, some of these factors do influence the likelihood of the tissues being suitable for
transplant. Organs and tissues that cannot be used for transplants, however, can often be used for
research to help scientists find cures or better treatments for serious illness.
5. Will donation affect my funeral arrangements?
No. The donation is performed within hours after death, so funeral arrangements may proceeds as
planned. Removal of organs leaves no visible signs that would interfere with a normal open casket
viewing.
6. Will my family pay or receive any fees for donation?
No. It is illegal to buy or sell the human body, its eyes, organs, and tissues.
7. Will the quality of medical treatment be affected if one is a known donor?
Strict laws protect the potential donor. Legal guidelines must be followed before death can be
certified. The physician certifying a patient’s death cannot be involved in any way with the donation
or with the transplant.
8. How can I obtain more information regarding organ, tissue, and eye donation?
Contact the Gift of Life Society of Michigan at 1-800-482-4881 for a donor card or more information
about this life-saving decision. Contact the Michigan Eye Bank at 1-800-247-7250 for questions
specific to eye donation, OR contact Secretary of State offices for forms to put on driver’s license or ID
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