Click here for the PA State Requirements for Organ and Tissue Donation
What is the Pennsylvania organ and tissue donation continuing education requirement?
Effective May 1, 2026, certain Pennsylvania healthcare professionals, including physicians and registered nurses, must complete at least 2 hours of continuing education in organ and tissue donation and recovery processes. This is a one-time requirement established by Pennsylvania licensing boards.
Who is required to complete this education?
Pennsylvania-licensed physicians and registered nurses are required to complete this education. Additional healthcare professions should consult their respective licensing boards to determine whether the requirement applies to their license type.
How many credit hours are required?
You must complete 2 hours of approved continuing education addressing organ and tissue donation and recovery.
Is this required every license renewal cycle?
No. The organ and tissue donation education requirement is a one-time requirement. Once completed and documented, you do not need to repeat it for future license renewals unless required by a future regulatory change.
When must I complete the requirement?
Healthcare professionals licensed before May 1, 2026 generally have five years to complete the requirement. Those newly licensed on or after May 1, 2026 must complete the requirement within five years of initial licensure.
What topics must be covered?
Pennsylvania licensing boards have approved a six-part curriculum that includes:
• Overview of the organ donation and transplantation system
• Tissue donation process
• Organ donation process
• Determining death and family communication
• Caring for families
• Organ donor management
Do I need to save proof of completion?
Yes. Pennsylvania licensing boards require licensees to maintain documentation of completion, such as a certificate of participation, in the event of an audit.
Where can I find eligible education?
Disclaimer: Learners are responsible for confirming that the activity they choose meets the requirements of their applicable Pennsylvania licensing board.
- The Pennsylvania Medical Society offers Donate Life Act: Organ & Tissue Donation and Recovery Process, a 2-credit CME activity developed in collaboration with CORE and Gift of Life Donor Program. The course was specifically created to satisfy Pennsylvania's one-time organ donation education requirement for physicians. Link: Donate Life Act: Organ & Tissue Donation and Recovery Process (PAMED)
- The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE), Gift of Life Donor Program, and Gift of Life Institute offer a free online course. Link: Donate Life Education Portal