Is Your Drivers License Enough to make Anatomical Gifts

Anatomical GiftsAnatomical Gifts in Minnesota are governed under Chapter 525A.  An Anatomical Gift is the process of donating all or part of your body.

Forms for Anatomical Gifts

As you know, your Minnesota drivers license has a space to allow for Anatomical Gifts.  Generally though, those passionate about this process prefer using a specific organ donation form created by a lawyer or a form sponsored by a specific hospital or non-profit.

Yes, provided all other rules are complied with, a person can use a health care directive to make a donation.

Other times, past Clients have preferred a form specifically designated to their organs to reduce sharing private information.

Religion and Anatomical Gifts

Yes, religion impacts a person’s decision on whether they want to donate an organ or their body at their death.

In fact, it is very common for people to use a form to purposely express they do NOT want any part of their body donated before or after death.  For example, those sharing the Catholic faith often seek the opinion of their local Priest before making an informed decision on Anatomical Gifts.

If you are Catholic, consider reading more about this process here.

In Minnesota, who can make Anatomical Gifts?

In Minnesota, a person can make anatomical gifts if they are:

  1. 18 years of age or older,
  2. A parent of a donor, Minnesota Organ Donations
  3. A donor’s guardian,
  4. An agent of a donor (using a health care directive), or
  5. A minor.

If the donor is a minor (under the age of 18), then they can make anatomical gifts if they are either:

  • Emancipated or
  • At least 16 years of age and utilize a valid Minnesota drivers license.

Are Anatomical Gifts impacted by the organ box on your Minnesota license?

Yes, a driver license that expresses an intent to donate organs is a valid document.  This law office prefers to revoke statements found on a license and utilize a separate organ donation declaration.

The reason this law office takes this approach is to reduce the likelihood a person or entity claims your drivers license is a leading authority.

Can a person edit or change their Anatomical Gift?

Yes, before a person dies, a person in Minnesota can always edit or change their wishes for an anatomical gift.  The best practice is using a signed document to revoke a previous donation.

It is preferred to use a signed document that is witnessed by two adults of a sound mind and the said document is notarized.

Can a person revoke an Anatomical Gift?

Yes, before a person dies, a person in Minnesota can always revoke anatomical gifts.  The best practice is using a signed document to revoke a previous donation.

It is preferred to use a signed document that is witnessed by two adults of a sound mind and the said document is notarized.

Is there a list of authorized donor registries?

Yes, The Department of Public Safety has a formal organ registry system for people to utilize.

Help with making or waiving Anatomical Gifts

If you need help making or waiving an anatomical gift, please contact this law office for help.