New York Consolidated Laws, Public Health Law - PBH § 4303. Manner of executing anatomical gifts

1. A gift of all or part of the body under this article may be made by will.  The gift becomes effective upon the death of the testator without waiting for probate.  If the will is not probated, or if it is declared invalid for testamentary purposes, the gift, to the extent that it has been acted upon in good faith, is nevertheless valid and effective.

2. A gift of all or part of the body under this article may also be made by document other than a will.  The gift becomes effective upon the death of the donor.  The document, which may be a card designed to be carried on the person, must be signed by the donor.  Delivery of the document of gift during the donor's lifetime is not necessary to make the gift valid.

3. The gift may be made either to a specified donee or without specifying a donee.  If the latter, the gift may be accepted by and utilized under the direction of the attending physician upon or following death.  If the gift is made to a specified donee who is not available at the time and place of death, the attending physician upon or following death, in the absence of any expressed indication that the donor desired otherwise, may accept the gift as donee.  The physician who becomes a donee under this subdivision shall not participate in the procedures for removing or transplanting a part.

4. Subject to the prohibitions in subdivision two of section four thousand three hundred six the donor may designate in his will, card or other document of gift the surgeon or physician to carry out the appropriate procedures.  In the absence of a designation, or if the designee is not available, the donee or other person authorized to accept the gift may employ or authorize any surgeon or physician for the purpose.

5. Repealed by L.2019, c. 742, pt. B, § 3-a, eff. June 23, 2020.