Pennsylvania Act 1984-210 — PROHIBITING TRANSFER OF HUMAN ORGANS FOR CONSIDERATION

Act text

PROHIBITING TRANSFER OF HUMAN ORGANS FOR CONSIDERATION
                 Act of Dec. 18, 1984, P.L. 1064, No. 210             Cl. 35
                                  AN ACT

     Prohibiting the transfer of certain human organs and tissues for
        valuable consideration.

        The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
     hereby enacts as follows:

     Section 1.  Prohibition of organ and nonregenerative tissue
                    purchases.
        (a)  General rule.--It is unlawful for any person to
     knowingly acquire, receive, transfer or in any way facilitate
     the transfer for transplantation or other medical therapy any
     human organ or nonregenerative tissue for valuable
     consideration.
        (b)  Penalty.--Any person who violates subsection (a) commits
     a misdemeanor of the first degree and, upon conviction, shall be
     fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned not more than five
     years, or both.
        (c)  Definitions.--As used in this section the following
     words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
     subsection:
        "Human organ."  The human kidney, liver, heart, lung,
     pancreas or any other vital human organ from living or cadaveric
     providers.
        "Nonregenerative tissue."  Includes eyes, corneas, bones,
     cartilage and other tissue not normally renewable by the human
     body. The term specifically excludes such regenerative tissues
     as human blood and blood products, in vitro preparations of
     human cells, sperm and other tissues readily renewable by the
     human body.
        "Valuable consideration."  Does not include the reasonable
     costs associated with the medical evaluation, removal,
     preservation and transportation of human organs and tissues for
     transplantation or other medical therapy, but includes any other
     consideration of value given or received.
     Section 2.  Effective date.
        This act shall take effect immediately.