District Of Columbia § 7-1531.25 - Organ preservation.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 7-1531.25 — Organ preservation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7-1531.25. Organ preservation.
7-1531.25If a person authorized by to consent to an anatomical gift of all or part of the decedent’s body is not reasonably available for a representative of a hospital to make the request required by , the hospital may use organ preservation equipment and techniques, including ventilators and in situ flushing and cooling equipment, to maintain the viability of the decedent’s organs in order to preserve the option of family members and other authorized persons to consider donation.
If a hospital initiates the preservation of a decedent’s organs pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the hospital shall use all available means to locate a person authorized by to consent to an anatomical gift. If a person authorized by to consent to an anatomical gift cannot be located within a time period deemed reasonable by a designated medical professional, or declines to consent to an anatomical gift, the organ preservation procedure shall be discontinued.
A person authorized by to donate all or any part of a decedent’s body shall be given full disclosure of preservation techniques or preservation equipment used, if any.
In the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct, any person employed or authorized by a hospital to utilize organ preservation techniques pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability in connection with taking the medically necessary steps to preserve a decedent’s organs during the search for, or consultation with, a person authorized by to consent to an anatomical gift.
Neither a decedent nor relative or guardian of a decedent shall pay any costs associated with organ preservation.
A hospital that initiates organ preservation pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall bear all costs associated with the organ preservation upon the happening of any of the following:
The recipient of the preserved organ is indigent;
A person authorized by to consent to an anatomical gift cannot be located within a time period deemed reasonable by a designated medical professional; or
A person authorized by to consent to an anatomical gift does not consent to an anatomical gift of all or part of a decedent’s body.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 7-1531.25
What does D.C. Code § 7-1531.25 cover?
Section 7-1531.25 ("Organ preservation.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 7-1531.25?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 7-1531.25" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 7-1531.25 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.