Being prepared for donation after cardiac death.

Depending on your perspective, donation after cardiac death (DCD) is a welcome boost for organ donation or an ethical quagmire. In July 2007, DCD was shoved into the spotlight when a transplant surgeon in California was charged with 3 felony counts related to a patient who was expected to undergo DCD. Although no organs were donated, the surgeon allegedly violated the law and failed to follow the standard of care (sidebar). Whether or not your facility performs donations or transplantations, you need to be prepared to answer questions about DCD. If your facility does organ recovery and/or transplantations, knowing about DCD helps ensure proper patient care and reduces liability risks.