Emergency Medicine's Role in Organ and Tissue Donation

Reaffirmed by the ACEP Board of Directors October 2000; October 2006; and April 2012

Originally approved by the ACEP Board of Directors April 1996

The American College of Emergency Physicians recognizes the need for organ and tissue donation and procurement. Emergency medicine can play a key role in this process.

Hospitals and emergency departments should have policies and procedures that facilitate donation and procurement. Procedures should specify the roles of the physicians, hospital staff, surgery recovery teams, and organ procurement agencies.