Donation Process and Eligibility

Becoming an Anatomical Donor

There are two ways that an individual may become an anatomical donor. First, prior to death the prospective donor may enroll in the School of Medicine Anatomical Donation Registry. By joining the registry, prospective donors document their intent to donate their body upon their passing. This is revocable at any time. It is highly suggested that upon registering, donors make their wishes known to their authorized representative. The second method of donation occurs when an individual passes away and their legally authorized representative makes the decision to donate the body of the deceased. If this is the case, the legally authorized representative will provide Consent for Anatomical Donation to the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

At the Time of Death

When death occurs, the legally authorized representative of the deceased should contact the Anatomical Donation Program as soon as possible at our 24-hour line, (551) 497-1375. If the body is suitable for anatomical donation, arrangements for the transfer of the body to the School of Medicine are made by a licensed funeral director employed by the Anatomical Donation Program.

The School of Medicine will cover the costs of transport from all locations in New Jersey. If death occurs outside of New Jersey and the authorized representative still wishes to have the body donated: 1) they may have the unembalmed body transported to the School of Medicine at the expense of the legal representative or family, or 2) the body may be donated to a medical school outside of the donation area at the expense of the deceased’s family.

Previously embalmed bodies, organ donation, or autopsy may prevent the acceptance of a body for donation. There are additional reasons why a body may not be suitable for donation to the Anatomical Donation Program. These include, but are not limited to:

• Certain infectious diseases (including, but not limited to HIV, Hepatitis A/B)
• Extensive trauma at the time of death
• Advanced decomposition
• Weight greater than 250 lbs., height greater than 6’3”
• Most anatomical donations are accepted into the program. However, the donor and their family should be prepared to make alternative arrangements in the case that a donation is declined.

After the Death of the Donor

After the death of the donor, they will be transferred to the School of Medicine facilities in Nutley, NJ. The donor will then be embalmed and prepared for anatomical study. We reserve the right to transfer the donor’s remains to another institution of higher education for study there if it benefits the educational and/or research Mission of the Anatomical Donation Program.

Once the body has been utilized for educational or research purposes, the remains are cremated. Depending upon the wishes of the donor or family, the cremated remains are either returned to the family or scattered in accordance with local regulations.

Anatomical studies generally take from between one and three years. In some cases, donations that are of significant educational value may be retained for study by future students. We reserve the right to retain selected parts of a donation for this purpose.