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HD 4928

An Act relative to organ transplant vehicles

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Donato

HD 4928 designates organ transplant vehicles as emergency vehicles, ensuring safe, timely transport of organs and medical personnel to improve transplant success rates.

Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Public Health
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Bill Summary · HD 4928

Summary of HD 4928: An Act Relative to Organ Transplant Vehicles

Purpose and Intent

Bill HD 4928 aims to establish regulations for organ transplant vehicles in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The primary intent is to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of human organs and medical personnel involved in organ recovery and transplantation. By designating these vehicles as emergency vehicles, the bill seeks to facilitate timely organ transport, which is critical for successful transplants.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Definition of Organ Transplant Vehicles:

    • An "organ transplant vehicle" is defined as any vehicle owned by an organ procurement organization used specifically for transporting human organs or medical personnel for organ recovery or transplantation.

  2. Registration Requirements:

    • All organ transplant vehicles must be registered with the relevant department for operation as such.

  3. Emergency Vehicle Status:

    • While transporting organs or personnel, these vehicles will be classified as emergency vehicles, allowing them to operate under specific emergency protocols.

  4. Operational Compliance:

    • Organ transplant vehicles must comply with regulations set forth by the department, including:
      • Use solely for organ transport during emergency operations.
      • Clear identification as organ transplant vehicles.
      • Driver training requirements as mandated by the department.

  5. Regulatory Framework:

    • The department is tasked with creating regulations that cover:
      • Registration and operational standards for organ transplant vehicles.
      • Safety protocols for drivers and vehicles.
      • Policies regarding the qualifications and physical requirements for drivers.

  6. Enforcement and Compliance:

    • The commissioner has the authority to revoke or suspend the registration of an organ transplant vehicle if the owning organization fails to comply with the established regulations.

Affected Parties

  • Organ Procurement Organizations: These entities will be directly impacted as they will need to register their vehicles and comply with new operational standards.
  • Medical Personnel: Those involved in organ recovery and transplantation will benefit from enhanced safety and efficiency in transport.
  • Patients in Need of Transplants: The timely transport of organs can significantly affect transplant success rates, directly impacting patient outcomes.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: July 23, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has been reported and referred to the committee on Joint Rules, and subsequently to the committee on Public Health.
  • Legislative Actions: The bill has undergone initial reporting and is currently in the review process.

Conclusion

HD 4928 represents a significant step towards improving the logistics of organ transplantation in Massachusetts. By regulating organ transplant vehicles, the bill aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of organ transport, ultimately benefiting patients awaiting transplants.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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