Donor Case Roles & Responsibilities
Understanding the Donation Process
Organ donation is a coordinated effort between hospital care teams and Southern Legacy of Life. From referral to organ recovery, multiple clinical professionals play important roles in ensuring the donation process is carried out safely, ethically, and with respect for the donor and their family. The following overview highlights the responsibilities of each care team member involved in a donor case.
Physician Responsibilities
Physicians play a key role in maintaining organ viability and overseeing patient care throughout
the donation process.
Responsibilities may include:
- Maintaining IV fluids and medical management to support organ function
- Ordering labs and imaging needed to evaluate organ suitability
- Initiating comfort care medications in accordance with hospital protocols
- Remaining present for declaration of death when required
- Documenting time of death and completing required medical documentation
In Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) cases, the attending physician remains responsible for the patient’s care and clinical orders.
Nursing Responsibilities
Nurses support donor management by assisting with clinical monitoring and medication administration.
Responsibilities may include:
- Recording vital signs and monitoring patient status
- Drawing labs as ordered by the physician
- Administering medications according to hospital protocol
- Accompanying the donor to the operating room when required
- Supporting comfort care measures for the patient
Nursing teams also play an important role in coordinating with Southern Legacy of Life clinical staff throughout the process.
Respiratory Therapy Responsibilities
Respiratory therapists assist with ventilator management and respiratory monitoring for potential donors.
Responsibilities may include:
- Managing ventilator settings
- Assisting with apnea testing when necessary
- Supporting lung evaluation for potential transplant
- Coordinating with Southern Legacy of Life clinical coordinators regarding respiratory care
Respiratory therapists help ensure optimal lung function is maintained when lungs are being considered for transplant.
Operating Room Team Role
Operating room teams assist in preparing for and supporting organ recovery procedures.
Responsibilities may include:
- Preparing the OR for organ recovery
- Ensuring required surgical instruments and equipment are available
- Coordinating with transplant recovery teams
- Participating in donor time-out procedures prior to organ recovery
Hospital OR teams work closely with Southern Legacy of Life coordinators to ensure the recovery process proceeds safely and efficiently.
Southern Legacy of Life Coordinator Role
Southern Legacy of Life clinical coordinators guide and manage the donation process in collaboration with hospital teams.
Responsibilities include:
- Evaluating donor eligibility
- Coordinating donor management with the care team
- Facilitating communication with transplant centers
- Organ allocation and recovery coordination
- Supporting donor families throughout the process
Our coordinators work alongside hospital teams to ensure that every donation opportunity is handled with professionalism, compassion, and respect.
Donation Process Resources
Download the following resources for additional guidance.
DCD vs DBD Guide
for Physicians
DCD vs DBD Guide
for Nurses
DCD vs DBD Guide for
Respiratory Therapists
Donor Case
Process Timeline
DCD Overview for
Operating Room Staff
Donation After Circulatory
Death (DCD) Clinical Guide