INDIANAPOLIS — Soon, Hoosiers applying for or trying to renew their professional licenses will have one more question as part of the process.
SEA 260, which was signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb Monday, requires professional license agencies to develop and maintain a system that asks applicants if they want to become an organ and tissue donor.
"We're so pleased ... [this bill] is going to make such a huge impact," Indiana Donor Network COO Steve Johnson said.
The Indiana Donor Network says the question will be the fifth way people in Indiana can register to become a donor. Other ways include:
- Saying “yes” to donation when applying for a hunting, fishing or trapping license
- Registering at the Bureau of Motor Vehicle branches throughout the state
- Online through Donate Life Indiana
- Through Apple’s Health app
Indiana is the first U.S. state to require the donation question to be asked of those seeking professional licenses or renewals.
"Making those avenues [to register] easily accessible is certainly important. We want everybody to have that option, so adding this opportunity during professional licensing is just one of those steps," Johnson said.
Eight lives can be saved through organ donation and up to 75 people can be healed through tissue donation.
According to the Indiana Donor Network, nearly 1,100 people in Indiana are waiting on an organ transplant and over 4.2 million Hoosiers have already signed up to be organ donors.
Johnson says the Network will be working with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency to develop and implement the process.
PREVIOUS: Indiana Donor Network reports highest-ever number of organ donations in 2021
-
Man arrested in Indianapolis woman's death near Indiana-Ohio state line
Police are investigating the death of person that died in the emergency department of Reid Health in Richmond. The coroner's office said evidence has indicated that foul play is involved.
Caitlin Clark leaves Fever's loss with a back injury
Caitlin Clark left the Indiana Fever's 111-109 loss to Phoenix with a back injury in the third quarter Wednesday night.
Indiana looks to artificial intelligence to root out Medicaid fraud
The Indiana FSSA has entered a 90-day pilot program with the U.S. CMS and Texas-based tech company Oracle, testing whether AI can stop “waste, fraud, and abuse”.
Marion Police commit to improving communication following Indiana I-Team report
The Marion Police Department says it’s working to ensure clear communication with victims' families following a report from Indiana's I-Team.
