Early Referral

EARLY REFERRAL

Hospital | Early Referral | JCAHO Standards | Medicare | HIPAA

All patients should be considered potential donors because criteria change frequently. Federal laws require hospitals to notify their local Organ Procurement Organization of every death and imminent death so an appropriate evaluation for donation can be made.

Clinical Triggers for Organ Donation Referral

Patient is intubated
Neurological injury
Glasgow Coma Scale equal to or less than 5

When do I call NMDS?

When a patient meets Clinical Triggers for Organ Donation
Before patient is evaluated for brain death
Before end of life discussion with family
When a family asks about donation
After cardiac death on non-vented patients

Jurisdiction by the Office of Medical Investigator (OMI) does not preclude donation.

To refer a potential donor call our 24-hour donor hotline: 1-800-843-7672

Your call can save a life. Early notification increases the chance that organs and/or tissue can be successfully donated to save and improve the lives of others.

Any hospital employee can notify NMDS of a patient's death, but only an NMDS coordinator may approach a family to request donation.

The MVD driver's license donor registry is checked by NMDS to determine first person donation designation.