Whenever a patient is determined to be a potential organ donor candidate, a transplant coordinator meets with the patient's family (next of kin). If the potential donor had enrolled in the New York State Donate Life Registry, that person’s next of kin, health care agent, burial agent, or other person in the hierarchy of people who make the decision, are notified about the legally binding decision.

If the potential donor has not documented his or her decision to be a donor, the next of kin, health care agent or others in the order of legal priority are offered the opportunity of organ and/or tissue donation. Donor Network representatives provide detailed information about donation and answer any questions or concerns. Once the family members or others in order of priority agree to donate, they are asked to sign a consent form.

The transplant coordinator and organ placement coordinator assist with the sharing and distribution of all available organs to patients awaiting an organ transplant. Transplant Coordinators also coordinate the organ recovery procedures and arrange for the organs to be transported to one of the nine Transplant Centers.

Contact our Clinical Services Department