Choosing Anatomical Donation

Choosing a Program

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If you are considering anatomical donation for the benefit of medical research, here are some guidelines to assist you in choosing a program. Make sure that the organization offering the program:

• Is a federally-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This assures that the organization has financial oversight by the IRS and adheres to charity standards. This ensures that salaries and expenses are not lavish and are in line with other like organizations.
• Is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). This accreditation ensures the level of medical, technical and administrative performance is maintained at the highest level of quality.
• Has been inspected and licensed by either the New York or Florida State Department of Health. These are the only two states that are currently licensing research tissue banks in the U.S., which allows us to be recognized as a "donee" organization under most state anatomical gift laws to accept tissue donations.
• Has been in operation for more than 5 years.
• Has not been involved in any wrongful act lawsuits.
• Has standard operating procedures with checks and balances in place to ensure ethical practices and traceability of placed donated tissue.
• Adheres to FDA Good Tissue Practices (GTPs) under 21CFR Parts:
  

  	1271.160(b)4 -	Ensuring the proper training and education of personnel,
  	1271.160(b)5 -	Establishing and maintaining appropriate temperature monitoring systems, and
  	1271.160(b)6 -	Establishing and maintaining a system for maintaining records.

• Actively seeks and is involved in uniform medical research and education tissue banking regulations.
• Abides by both the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) and Title III of the National Organ Transplant Act, which prohibit the buying or selling of organs or tissues.
• Adheres strictly to federal regulations (45CFR Part 46) that protect donors and their families through confidentiality.

LifeLegacy Foundation has set the industry standard that our donor families have come to trust. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding our qualifications. If you would like additional information on our donor program, please complete our Information Request Form or call 520-575-5200 or 888-774-4438.