NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Representative Art Washut (R-HD36)
House Bill Seeks to Stop Organ Transplant Discrimination for Individuals with Disabilities
House Bill 111 Would Ensure Greater Equality in Access to Life-Saving Medical Services
(Cheyenne, WY) – The Wyoming
House of Representatives is considering legislation that would prohibit deprioritizing
individuals with disabilities to receive organ transplants and related
procedures. House Bill 111, Access to Anatomical Gifts and Organ Transplants,
was introduced by Representative Art Washut (R-HD36).
“This bill is in direct response
to the experiences of families across the nation, whose loved ones have been
moved down on organ transplant lists or denied altogether because of a
disability,” said Representative Washut. “Access to life-saving medical
services should never be incumbent on person’s physical or mental
circumstances. House Bill 111 will bring greater fairness and equality to our
health care system.”
HB 111 would uphold and enforce
rights established in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While such
discrimination is already illegal under the ADA, seeking relief is often a
costly and time-consuming process.
“When an individual needs an
organ transplant, time is not on their side,” said Rep. Washut. “Sadly, the
process to right the wrong when discrimination occurs is often long and
cumbersome. Individuals fighting for their life should not have to endure a
protracted legal fight.”
Building on protections in the
ADA, HB 111 codifies the rights of individuals with disabilities who need an
organ transplant and requires that health care providers and others make
procedures equally accessible to people with disabilities. It also provides a
streamlined process for those who experience discrimination to seek relief
through the Wyoming District Courts.
“This bill was brought to me by a
mother in Casper, who wanted to ensure that her son would never be subject to
discrimination when being considered for a life-saving organ,” explained Rep.
Washut. “I am humbled by her dedication, not only to her son but to the many
families whose son or daughter, brother or sister could face such a scenario.”
“In Wyoming, we care about one
another. It only makes sense that we would be a leader in securing the rights
of those with disabilities and creating greater equality in these decisions,”
said Rep. Washut. “I am proud of the support House Bill 111 has received from
people all over Wyoming and in the Legislature. It passed the House Labor and
Health Committee unanimously and every representative present voted for it on
third reading and final passage.
“This shows what can happen when
good policy is embraced by leaders who care. I look forward to working with my
colleagues in the Senate to send this bill to the Governor’s desk and to enact
these important protections for families throughout Wyoming.”
HB 111 was approved unanimously
by the Wyoming House of Representatives on March 3. Earlier, it was approved by
the House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee. The legislation will now
be heard in the Wyoming Senate and, if passed, sent to the Governor to be
signed into law.
The full text of House Bill 111 is available here.
