Determine the precise procedure for obtaining consent for organ transplantation

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It is intended to establish clear and unambiguous procedures for obtaining and registering consent to the donation of tissues and organs in Latvia. It provides for changes to the law governing the use of deceased human tissues and organs in medicine. The Social and Labor Commission of the Saeima supported it at first reading on 28 November.

"This is a step forward in improving the organ transplant system in Latvia, because in this area we still have something to try compared to Western countries." It is particularly important to improve people's knowledge about the possibility of making choices and donating organs that can save lives for many others, "says Andris Skride, chairman of the Committee on Social Affairs and Labor.

The bill states that if the information system does not provide information about the will of the deceased to prohibit or allow the use of his body, his tissues and his organs after his death, the medical establishment will be required to clarify the wishes of the deceased's nearest auxiliary or by contacting his nearest relatives if they are not present. . The information provided by the affiliate will be recorded in the donor's medical record.

If the information on the will of the person is not fixed in the information system, nor by the closest members, the presumed consent of the deceased person to use his body, tissues and organs after his death is determined by the invoice. The medical institution has the duty to inform the next of kin of the use of the body, tissues and organs after death.

At the moment, the Latvian legal framework does not provide for a specific mechanism allowing the next member to exercise his statutory right to communicate the will of the deceased before the beginning of the surgical manipulation of the body of the deceased.

The bill proposes to allow a person to express his will more easily after the death of his body, tissues and organs. Anyone can do this by making a note in the online health system. Currently, to submit such a request and this information is recorded in the population register, the public faces an excessive administrative burden that can discourage the choice, said the bill's authors. It is expected that the opportunity to express your will in the online health system will be effective from 2020.

The amendments to the law also provide for the possibility for a person to modify the will expressed previously for the authorization or prohibition of the use of organs after death.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Health is required to inform the public of the individual's right to express his or her willingness regarding the use of organs after his or her death and the opportunity to make an informed choice.

Amendments to the Law on the Protection of the Dead and the Use of Human Tissues and Organs in Medicine will ensure the conformity of the Latvian legal framework with the Council of Europe Convention on the fight against human organ trafficking. Members of the Commission have conceptually supported the corresponding amendments to the Penal Code, which clarify its standards in line with the requirements of the Convention.