Claire Schenk supports passage of organ donor protections in Missouri

On May 15, the Missouri state legislature passed SB551, enshrining new life and long-term care insurance protections for living organ donors. This effort was supported by St. Louis partner Claire Schenk and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).

SB551 specifies that “a person's status as a living organ donor shall not be the sole factor in the offering, issuance, cancellation, price, or conditions of an insurance policy, nor in the amount of coverage provided.” The protections are modeled after those contained in the federal Living Donor Protection Act (S. 511/H.R. 1224) and were overwhelmingly supported in the Missouri legislature.

The bill’s passage is the culmination of NKF’s latest effort to remove barriers to organ donation and ensure that living organ donors are protected. Claire, who sits on the Advisory Board for the NKF Serving Eastern Missouri, Metro East and Arkansas provided guidance on the language and passage of the bill. She also offered an invitation to speak at the Missouri Bar Association in Jefferson City to assist in furthering this initiative.

Fueled by passion and urgency, the National Kidney Foundation is a lifeline for all people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, NKF focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in their work, they enhance lives through action, education and accelerating change.