This release was issued under a previous government.
Albertans will soon see wait times reduced for life-changing transplants with the proclamation of Bill 207, the Human Tissue and Organ Donation Amendment Act. The Act was originally introduced as a private member’s bill by MLA Len Webber.
“Organ and tissue donation saves lives and we need to make sure Albertans know how important it is. An online registry will make it easy for Albertans to provide their constent to donate, ensuring all Albertans who wish to donate make it known.”
The Act establishes a single agency to co-ordinate organ and tissue donations in Alberta, and creates a consent-to-donate registry. Albertans who are willing to donate their organs and/or tissue will be able to do so at their local registry when they go to renew their driver’s licence or other identification.
“I want to thank MLA Len Webber for putting this vitally important legislation forward. Our government is eager to do everything we can to reduce wait times for transplants and give Albertans in need access to the treatment that will save or drastically improve a life.”
“We want to take aggressive action to increase tissue and organ donation rates in Alberta. By making it easier for Albertans to register their intent to donate and raise awareness of the need for donors, we can increase the number of organ donations in Alberta.”
Up until the new Act was proclaimed, consent to donate needed to be provided in writing, dated, signed and witnessed, to be legally binding. Albertans could also complete the “Universal Donor Card” on the back of the government issued Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan card.
Under the new Act, Albertans renewing their driver’s licences or other pieces of identification will be asked if they consent to the donation of their tissue, organs or body. If they do, they will then provide written consent, and the registry agent will transmit that information for inclusion in the online registry. A code or symbol will be printed on the driver’s licence or other identification to indicate consent to donate. Albertans will also be able to register online directly if they have provided consent in other ways.
“We are so pleased that the Government of Alberta listened to our concerns. The sad fact is that many Albertans on organ donation wait lists die before a donor is found. This Bill will make a big difference in the lives of many Albertans waiting for transplants.”
Alberta used to have 17 donors per one million of the population, but that has fallen over the past decade to less than 10. Ontario and British Columbia both outperformed Alberta with a donor rate of 16.3 donors per million and 11.8 donors per million, respectively, in 2011. Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba have implemented online registries. While donor rates fluctuate, these provinces have successfully raised the public profile of the need to donate.
Albertans will be able to record online that they have given consent for organ and tissue donation using MyHealth.Alberta.ca (MHA) by January 31, 2014. Processes for people to register their consent to donate upon renewal of their driver’s licences and identification cards will be operational in spring 2014.
Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.