American Association of Anatomists approves guidelines for body donation programs

According to AAA Secretary-Treasurer Richard Drake, Director of Anatomy at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, "Establishing a basic minimum level of expectations for Willed Body Programs is important and gives organizations accepting donated bodies for educational and research purposes a measuring stick. If your program is not following these guidelines, it's time to make the necessary changes."

The Donation of Bodies for Education & Biomedical Research Guidelines Suggested by the American Association of Anatomists

Donation Policies

• The donation of bodies must follow state and local laws. An institution may have additional requirements, but cannot have fewer requirements than state and local governments.
• Donation forms must follow state and local regulations and requirements.
• Donation literature should describe all possible uses of donated bodies.

Institutional Policies

• Each institution must have an oversight committee to which the individual in charge of the Body Donation Program reports.
• The Institutional Oversight Committee shall appoint an individual to be responsible for the daily operation of the Body Donation Program.
• The Body Donation Program should be reviewed on a yearly basis by the Institutional Oversight Committee.

Program Policies

• Body Donation Programs should clearly describe the use of cadavers as it relates to institutional and educational needs.
• Records documenting the use of cadavers should be reviewed by the Institutional Oversight Committee on a regular basis.
• The shipment of cadavers must follow all state and local requirements.
• Facilities where cadavers are used must be appropriate and secured from entry by unauthorized personnel.
• Disposal of cadaveric remains should be documented and must follow all state and local regulations and requirements.