Gov. David M. Beasley has signed legislation designed to increase the number of organs available for transplants and make it easier for South Carolinians to have access to organs donated in South Carolina.

“Each year, a number of South Carolinians die while waiting for donor organs to become available. By signing these two bills, it is my fervent hope and prayer that more lives will be saved,” Beasley said.

S.921 gives South Carolinians priority in receiving organs donated in South Carolina. The legislation attempts to preempt proposed federal regulations for organ allocation that will require a national waiting list. Beasley earlier this year announced his opposition to this national waiting list, which would mean fewer organs available in South Carolina. Other states have also adopted similar bills or resolutions as part of an effort to oppose the Clinton Administration regulations.

S.920 establishes that a uniform donor card is a legal document in South Carolina. It also establishes a process for the South Carolina Donor Referral Network to work with the South Carolina Hospital Association to increase the number of organs, tissue and eye donations.

Beasley thanked the sponsors of the two bills, Sens. James Lander, Warren Giese and John Courson, for their efforts, as well as Rep. Robert Walker, who also pushed for the legislation. The governor also praised Dr. Lawrence F. McManus, chairman of the Gift of Life Trust Fund, for his work to get legislation adopted.

“We are highly pleased that the legislators in South Carolina have had the foresight to pass legislation supporting South Carolina patients needing organ transplants,” said MUSC president James B. Edwards, DDS. “The Medical University transplant team has a superb track record in providing tranplants for citizens of our state. Our survival rates are as good, and in many cases better than major transplant centers across the country. The only limiting factor is the availability of organs for tranplant. It is imperative that we encourage organ donation, and keep donated organs within the state to benefit our citizens, and this legislation, will help accomplish this.”