Legal Definitions - required-request law

Definition: A required-request law is a law that requires hospital staff to talk to the family of a deceased patient about the possibility of donating their organs. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, which is not in effect in all states, mandates this law.

Example: If someone dies in a hospital and their family is present, the hospital staff must inform the family about the option of donating the deceased person's organs. The family can then decide whether or not to donate the organs.

Explanation: The required-request law ensures that families are informed about the option of organ donation and can make an informed decision. This law helps increase the number of organ donations and saves lives.