Category Archives: brain death

New Guidelines for Determining Brain Death – But Will Hospitals Actually Follow Them?

"end of life", brain death, organ donation, Our News & Commentary Blog, policy, reality check, safeguards

From USA Today – “When is someone brain dead? Experts revise guidelines“: Determining brain death is a complex process that requires dozens of tests to make sure doctors come to the correct conclusion. With that goal in mind, the American Academy of Neurology has issued new guidelines — an update of guidelines first written 15 … Continue reading New Guidelines for Determining Brain Death – But Will Hospitals Actually Follow Them? →

Illinois: Kangaroo Hearing on “Presumed Consent” Organ Donation Bill Scheduled Today

bioethics, brain death, Illinois, kaylee wallace, legislation, organ donation, Our News & Commentary Blog, Ruben Navarro

From the Peoria Journal Star: Public can weigh in on organ donation bill Excerpt: PEORIA —A public hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday in Springfield to receive comment on state Sen. Dale Risinger’s bill to establish a presumed consent policy for organ donation in Illinois. Sometimes called the opt-out policy, presumed consent has been … Continue reading Illinois: Kangaroo Hearing on “Presumed Consent” Organ Donation Bill Scheduled Today →

Virginia: Easing Standards for Declaration of Brain Death – and Increasing Errors

brain death, legislation, organ donation, Our News & Commentary Blog, reality check

I’ve been intending to write something about the complicated relationship between statutes governing brain death and the actual protocols used to determine when someone is brain dead. That will have to wait for another time. Right now, it looks like the state of Virginia is poised to streamline the requirements for declaring a patient “brain … Continue reading Virginia: Easing Standards for Declaration of Brain Death – and Increasing Errors →

Journal: Nurse’s research into the ethics of organ donation causes her to reconsider her support

brain death, nursing homes, organ donation, Our News & Commentary Blog

Once in awhile, something comes along that really surprises me. This is one of those times. The January issue of Nursing2009 not only has an article harshly critical of organ harvesting regulations and protocols, it has made the article available online. In Speaking up for organ donors (link to html version, with additional link to … Continue reading Journal: Nurse’s research into the ethics of organ donation causes her to reconsider her support →