S.957 - Honor Our Living Donors Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.957, the "Honor Our Living Donors Act," aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve support for living organ donors. The bill seeks to eliminate consideration of organ recipients' income when reimbursing expenses to living donors through grant programs. It also removes the expectation of payments from organ recipients and mandates an annual report to Congress on the adequacy of funding for donor reimbursements.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase the number of living organ donors by reducing financial disincentives. This will be achieved by ensuring that donors are not penalized based on the recipient's financial status. The annual report requirement will provide transparency and accountability regarding the funding and effectiveness of the grant program.
Potential Benefits
- Increased organ donation rates due to reduced financial burden on donors.
- Improved access to organ transplantation for patients in need.
- Enhanced financial support and recognition for living organ donors.
- Greater transparency and accountability in the organ donation grant program through annual reporting.
- Reduced financial strain on living donors, promoting altruistic donation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased demand on existing grant funding, requiring additional appropriations.
- Possible administrative burden associated with the annual reporting requirement.
- Risk of unintended consequences if the removal of recipient income consideration leads to inequities in donor reimbursement.
- Could create a need for more oversight to prevent fraud or abuse in the reimbursement process.
- The bill does not address all potential barriers to organ donation, such as lack of awareness or logistical challenges.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it promotes public health by encouraging organ donation. Congress has the power to enact laws necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers, including those related to health and welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).