§ 63-2167. Blood solicitation and donation.

A.  It shall be the intent of the Legislature that each blood service system operating in this state use only blood and blood products obtained from volunteer donors, except in an emergency calling for a rare blood type that is not available from a nonpaid donor or in an unusual disaster situation when normal supply is interrupted or depleted.  Blood collected from inmates in correctional facilities shall not be used to transfuse patients in this state.

B.  Blood solicitation or donation as a prerequisite for surgical or medical reasons is hereby prohibited.

C.  Every blood donor organization shall adopt policies and procedures for directed blood donations.  Such designated donations must be medically suitable of purpose, safety, and acceptability to the body of the recipient.

D.  Appeals for blood donations should be directed at the community at large, including organized groups within the community. While appeals to the family and friends of the hospitalized patients are an acceptable part of total donor recruitment program, blood service establishments should exercise discretion in such appeals and should carefully avoid the use of any undue pressure or coercion.

Amended by Laws 1986, c. 146, § 2, operative June 1, 1986.