House Bill Seeks to Stop Organ Transplant Discrimination for Individuals with Disabilities

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.