Stating your preferencs about organ and/or tissue donation

The New York State Health Care Proxy gives you the option to state your wishes regarding organ and/or tissue donation. 
Important points:
  • Your health care agent cannot make decisions for you about organ and/or tissue donation.
  • New York Law provides a list of individuals who can make decisions for you about organ and/or tissue donation. They are listed in order of priority: your spouse, a son or daughter 18 years of age or older, either of your parents, a brother or sister 18 years of age or older, a guardian appointed by a court prior to the donor's death, or any other legally authorized person.
  • Even if you state your wishes on the form, a family member will still need to sign a consent form before any of your organs or tissues can be donated.  Noting our wishes on your form can help your family if they have to make this decision.
  • If you do not include your organ donation wishes on your Health Care Proxy, it does not mean that you cannot be a donor.   
Need more information about organ and tissue donation?
References:
"Health Care Proxy: Appointing Your Health Care Agent in New York State" State of New York Department of Health