On Monday, August 7, 2017 Governor Christie signed new legislation requiring health insurers and the public employee health benefits plans to disseminate information about organ and tissue donation. The new law (A-4230 / S-3141), which takes effect later this year, directs that policyholders receive written information about the importance of donation and how to register as a designated organ donor when they renew their health insurance contract. Receiving this material will raise awareness about organ donation and promote increased registration by the public.
According to the NJ Sharing Network, over 2.5 million New Jersey residents are registered organ and tissue donors. National statistics collected by the United Network for Organ Sharing show that over 116,000 people across the country are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, with over 4,000 in New Jersey. One donor can save up to eight lives.
Currently, the primary means of registration is through designating the words “Organ Donor” to appear on your NJ driver license or non-driver identification card. This designation is for individuals 18 or older. You can find out more about this process here. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Mary
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