Organ donation (opt-out)
What it means
England, Wales and Scotland operate DEEMED CONSENT ('opt-out') for organ/tissue donation: adults are considered willing donors unless they opted out or are in an excluded group. Families are still consulted and a known objection is respected. Donation after brainstem death or circulatory death follows strict criteria; the donation team is separate from the treating team.
Worked example
An adult who never registered a decision is, under deemed consent, considered a potential donor — but the family's knowledge of any objection is sought and respected.
In the exam
After a patient's death the donation team explores organ donation under the opt-out system, while consulting the family.
What settles it
Deemed consent presumes willingness unless the person opted out; the family is still involved and a known objection respected.
Classically confused with
Death certification & coroner referral
Source: Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act 2019