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No. The intent to donate may be included in a will, but because a will may not be found in time for delivery of the body to WMed, it is more effective to have these instructions readily available on a wallet donation card or donation form. The donor should also advise his or her family and legal representative of the intent to make a donation.
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No. The body of any person may be donated with appropriate consent by the donor or the donor's legal representative.
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No. The state anatomical law (RUAGL) requires that the donation be a gift without compensation.
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If the decedent is within 50 miles of WMed’s campus there is no cost to the next-of-kin or estate for transport of the body to WMed. If the decedent is beyond 50 miles, we ask that the family works with a funeral home to arrange transport. The donor's family or legal representative is responsible for any charges associated with the funeral home and other entities outside of WMed.
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Yes. An anatomical gift is revocable until death, and then becomes irrevocable. A gift may be revoked by contacting the WMed Donated Body Program in writing. A revocation meeting all legal requirements is effective upon receipt, but will not apply to actions taken before noticed is received. After death, the family or legal representatives of a donor may not revoke an authorization without a court order.
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Yes. Occasionally, a donor's illness or other considerations prevents us from being able to accept a donation. The representative of WMed makes this determination during early conversations following death.
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The family or the funeral director should call the 24-hour donation line at 1.844.366.9633 promptly for instructions. In most cases we must receive the body within 24 hours of death.
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If an anatomical donation is not accepted for any reason, the donor's legal representative is responsible for making alternate arrangements at the expense of the donor's estate.
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Most donations are used to teach medical students, and in continuing education programs. A small number are used to teach students in allied health fields such as physical therapy. Some donations are used for research, such as by surgeons to study new operative techniques.
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Generally no. Any use for research would be determined by specific researcher requests pending at the time of the donor's death.
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Because of transportation costs, legal issues, and potential deterioration of the donor's body, we recommend that donor's body be donated to a recipient in the area where death occurs. If, however, the family wishes to make arrangements, bear the cost, and ensure a prompt delivery, we can accept the donation, if it otherwise meets the requirements for donation.
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Typically yes. However, the funeral director must first contact our office, since failure to follow allowable procedures could prevent the intended donation.
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The family is offered the options of four years, six years, or forever.
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Yes. A memorial service occurs annually in the fall. All donor families are encouraged to attend.
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No. Under no circumstances will ashes be exhumed.
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No. An autopsy will not be performed.
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Although unlikely, it is possible another institution may use the donated body. At the request of the donor or family, use by other schools can be prohibited.
