Organs that can be transplanted include the heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver, and intestines. Tissue that can be transplanted include the cornea, skin, bone marrow, heart valves, and connective tissue. It is not unusual for a single donor to provide organs and tissue to eight or more different individuals. The donor's family is not responsible for the costs incurred through organ donation. The recipient, most times through their insurance carrier or Medicare pays for all of the costs related to the donation of organs and tissue.
Violators are subject to fines and imprisonment.
There are many factors that contribute to the scarcity of available organs. Thanks to better auto restraint systems and the enactment of helmet and seat belt laws nationwide fewer people are dying in motor vehicle accidents. This has led to a decrease in the number of donors as a result of motor vehicle accidents. Other limiting factors related to organ scarcity include the failure of medical professionals to determine potential donors, failure to notify organ procurement agencies of potential referrals and the refusal by the family to donate a loved ones organs. In an effort to reduce these limiting factors, Vice President Al Gore and HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala launched the National Organ and Tissue Donation Initiative in December 1997.