Executive Order 07-02

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

Executive Order Creating the Governor's Council on Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness

WHEREAS, organ donor transplantation is one of the most remarkable success stories in the history of medicine; and

WHEREAS, about 20,000 men, women and children received organ transplants last year, but almost 6,000 people died (about 10 each day) while on the waiting list; and

WHEREAS, organ donor recipients' survival rates are at an all time high; and

WHEREAS, according to the United Network For Organ Sharing, there are approximately 1139 in this federally designated region, data not available specific to Montana, on the waiting list for organ donation; and

WHEREAS, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the White House and other organizations are partnering to encourage physicians and families to openly discuss organ donations; and

WHEREAS, studies indicate that nearly all Americans would consent to donate organs of loved ones if they knew beforehand of their choice, but only half as many would agree on donation if their decision were not shared with their family; and

WHEREAS, it is in the state's interest for Montanans to agree to donate organs and discuss their decision with their family; and

WHEREAS, one means to accomplish increased organ donation is through the creation of a broad-based information and education campaign, via a partnership of public, private and volunteer organizations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JUDY MARTZ, Governor of the State of Montana, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 2-15-122, MCA, do hereby create the Governor's Council on Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness.

I.   PURPOSE: 

The Council will perform, in conjunction with existing resources within the Department of Public Health and Human Services, a variety of duties including but not limited to:

creating a widespread public awareness of the critical need for organ donation in Montana and identifying new proposals in an effort to review existing state policies, regulations and laws and advise the Governor of ways to help educate the public on organ donation  and increase the number of organ donations in Montana.

II.     COMPOSITION:

The Council shall be composed of at least eight members who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.  Members may include a representative from each of the following groups: donor recipients, donor families, medical, clergy, business, media, Native Americans, the Department of Public Health and Human Services, and the general public.  The names and addresses of members are submitted by separate letter to the Secretary of State and the Department of Public Health and Human Services.  The Governor shall serve as chairman and shall appoint a vice- chairman.

III. ADMINISTERING AGENCY:

The Department of Public Health and Human Services is designated as the organizational unit responsible for the administration and management of the Council.

IV.  DURATION:

This Council shall remain in existence for two years from the effective date of this Order unless extended or terminated by subsequent Executive Order.

This Order is effective immediately.