Living Donor Authorization: What Families Need to Know
Under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), a living donor's relationship to the recipient determines which body must review and approve the donation.
A Near Relative — spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, or grandchildren — is evaluated by a Competent Authority made up of a Medical Superintendent, four doctors from outside the transplant team, and two independent members.
A donor who is not a near relative is instead evaluated by a Hospital-Based Authorization Committee, which includes the hospital head, two non-transplant doctors, two non-hospital members, and two government representatives. This additional scrutiny exists to prevent commercial exploitation and ensure donations are made freely and without coercion.
If an application is rejected, the family retains the right to appeal to the Appellate Committee. Understanding this process in advance can help families prepare and avoid delays during an already difficult time.