What makes authorization for organ/tissue procurement valid?

The validity of authorization for organ or tissue procurement is fundamentally based on consent. Consent must be sought from a legitimate authority, which in many cases is the decedent's legal next of kin or representative. This requirement ensures that the decision adheres to legal and ethical standards, respecting the rights of the deceased and their family.

While other options, such as a donor designation on a driver's license or a donor card, can indicate the deceased’s wishes regarding organ donation, they might not encompass all legal and procedural requirements depending on jurisdiction. Moreover, the explicit consent from the legal next of kin or representative serves as a clear and definitive mechanism for validating the procurement process, providing assurance that the actions taken are in accordance with the wishes of the family and the law.

This structural focus on consent helps to safeguard against unauthorized procedures that might occur if only informal indications of willingness—like an emergency room physician's permission—were deemed sufficient. Thus, consent from the legal next of kin or representative is the central cornerstone that legitimizes organ or tissue procurement operations.