Pennsylvania § 8627.1 - Information relative to organ and tissue donation.

§ 8627.1. Information relative to organ and tissue donation.

(a) Model curriculum.--Within nine months of the effective date of this section, the Department of Education, in consultation with the designated organ procurement organizations, shall develop and post on the Department of Education's publicly accessible Internet website a model curriculum regarding organ donation for students in grades 9 through 12 which public and nonpublic schools may use to provide instruction. The form and content of the model curriculum regarding organ donation shall be determined by the Department of Education. The model curriculum shall do all of the following, at a minimum:

(1) Provide a comprehensive, scientific overview of anatomical donation, its history and scientific advancement.

(2) Fully address the risks and benefits of and the myths and misunderstandings regarding organ and tissue donation.

(3) Explain the options available to minors and adults, including the option of designating oneself as an organ and tissue donor and the option of not designating oneself as an organ and tissue donor.

(b) Materials.--Within nine months of the effective date of this section, the Department of Education shall make related instructional materials available on the Department of Education's publicly accessible Internet website to public and nonpublic schools educating students in grades 9 through 12. The General Assembly shall encourage public and nonpublic schools to use the instructional materials. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require public or nonpublic schools to use the instructional materials.

(c) Parental option.--A minor enrolled in a public or nonpublic school shall be permitted to opt out of receiving instruction or materials relating to anatomical donation as provided under this section if the minor's parent or guardian has provided written notice to the school.

(d) Institutions of higher education.--

(1) Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, each public institution of higher education in this Commonwealth may provide, in collaboration with the designated organ procurement organizations, information to its students, either through student health services or as part of the curriculum, which:

(i) provides a comprehensive, scientific overview of anatomical donation, its history and scientific advancement; and

(ii) addresses the risks and benefits of and the myths and misunderstandings about anatomical donation.

(2) Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, each private institution of higher education in this Commonwealth may provide, in collaboration with the designated organ procurement organizations, information to its students, either through student health services or as part of the curriculum, which:

(i) provides a comprehensive, scientific overview of anatomical donation, its history and scientific advancement; and

(ii) addresses the risks and benefits of and the myths and misunderstandings about anatomical donation.

(Oct. 23, 2018, P.L.594, No.90, eff. imd.)

2018 Amendment. Act 90 added section 8627.1.