California Struggles to Create Organ Donor Registry

Two years after California enacted a law authorizing creation of a registry of organ donors, the project has yet to get underway.

The reason: even though Gov. Gray Davis signed the bill into law, he has never approved the approximately $1.3 million in funds needed to create the database of donors.

"Although the registry became law, it has unfortunately not become reality," said state Sen. Jackie Speier, who spearheaded the drive to pass the legislation requiring the state to create the registry.

Now, Speier is pushing another bill -- backed by all of California's organ procurement organizations -- that would require that the state Department of Health Services turn over responsibility for the registry to a non-profit agency that would raise funds privately.

"We just know that with the state of the state budget this is the only way it's going to happen," said Thomas Mone, executive director of the organ procurement organization OneLegacy.

Under the legislation, the Department of Motor Vehicles would still provide donor information cards to driver license applicants. Those who choose to donate organs would then send a special form to the nonprofit agency.

Other Sources: Copley