Feb. 04, 2021
HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) that would protect living organ donors in Pennsylvania was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives today.
House Bill 203 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
“This legislation would ensure a donor does not face discrimination by an employer or health insurance carrier when making their life-saving decision,” said Toohil. “We also believe it will increase the number of live organ donations, which are preferred, and in turn reduce the waiting list.”
House Bill 203, or the Living Donor Protection Act, would prohibit a life or health insurance company from discriminating against an organ or tissue donor. It would also ensure family and medical leave be provided for an eligible employee for the preparation and recovery necessary for donation surgery. In addition, the proposal would require the Department of Health to develop informational materials relating to living donors and the benefits of live organ and tissue donation.
“I am pleased my proposal moved through the House quickly and look forward to it doing the same in the Senate and then becoming law, so we can begin providing these increased protections to living organ donors in Pennsylvania as soon as possible,” Toohil added.
A similar bill sponsored by Toohil passed in the House during the 2019-20 Legislative Session but was not brought up for a vote in the Senate.
Toohil donated a kidney to her late mother in 2003 and has been a strong advocate for organ donation during her House tenure.
Representative Tarah Toohil
116th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives