FRANKFORT, Ky. — A new law in Kentucky now requires medical teams to immediately stop organ procurement procedures if any signs of life are observed in a donor.
House Bill 510, signed into law on April 7, establishes a mandatory “pause in procedure” during the organ donation process. The legislation was introduced following a disturbing 2021 case involving a Kentucky man whose organs were nearly harvested while he was still alive.
“We were told TJ had no reflexes, no responses, no brainwaves, no brain activity,” said Donna Rhorer, sister of TJ Hoover. “We made the decision as a family to remove him from life support because, you know, he was brain dead.”
However, a witness later described signs of life just before the procedure.
“He was thrashing around, crying, trying to pull his tube out,” said Nyckoletta Martin. “He was pushing everybody’s hands away who were trying to prep and drape him for surgery.”
The case triggered a federal investigation and congressional hearings, prompting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to begin reforms to the nation’s organ transplant system.
State lawmakers say the new law is designed to strengthen safeguards and protect patients.
“Part of improving organ donation safety in the Commonwealth means strengthening existing safeguards to better protect organ donors,” said Jason Nemes. “Implementing a mandatory pause in the procedure process when changes in a patient’s medical status arise would further ensure organ donations are conducted responsibly and safely.”
Network for Hope, which manages organ donation services in the region, said it had already begun implementing reforms in 2025. These include neurological exams every 12 hours and more frequent communication with families and medical staff.
The organization voiced support for the new law.
“Organ donation is a remarkable and life-saving gift that allows thousands of individuals each year to receive life-sustaining transplants,” said CEO Barry Massa. “House Bill 510 highlights the importance of public trust, transparency, and ethical and clinical standards that prioritize patient safety and human dignity.”
Officials say they will continue working with hospitals and families to ensure the law is properly implemented and upheld.
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