University of California Office of the President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005
Jennifer Ward (510) 987-9398
jennifer.ward@ucop.edu

UC IMPLEMENTING NEW STANDARDS FOR WILLED BODY PROGRAMS

The University of California has put in place significant security and administrative procedures to enhance and strengthen the willed body programs at its five medical centers, UC officials reported to the UC Board of Regents today (Sept. 22).

Following a comprehensive and vigorous review, UC has taken steps to ensure greater accountability and maximum transparency in the donation process by developing new systemwide guidelines, including the creation of standards for oversight and management, the establishment of program review committees, and the standardization of donation forms for all the programs within the UC system.

In addition, Brandi Schmitt was appointed in May at the UC Office of the President to oversee the program.

"We believe these new measures reflect high standards and best practices nationally. They are intended to assure that UC programs meet the needs of the communities they serve, including, very importantly, those of donors and their families," said Cathryn Nation, executive director of academic health sciences at the Office of the President.

Each year, upon their death, nearly a thousand Californians make an extraordinary gift to the University of California's medical schools by donating their bodies to support education and scientific research in the health sciences. Willed bodies are used for a variety of purposes, including anatomy instruction, surgical training, anatomical and physiological research, forensic research and training, mortuary science education, and development and testing of new medical devices.

In April 2004, UC President Robert C. Dynes asked former California Gov. George Deukmejian to oversee and help lead a systemwide effort to produce new standards and practices for management and oversight of these programs. This process was aided by consultant recommendations from Navigant Consulting Inc.

In addition to the systemwide reforms, new security measures have been established at UC campuses including financial and criminal background checks of potential employees, security card access to certain department areas and the installation of video surveillance equipment at certain sites.

The university is continuing its efforts to develop a Web-enabled database. The database is in use and accessible at the campuses and the Office of the President. It provides real-time, transparent controls with respect to standard data elements for each program. A new call service provides dual notification to campuses and to the Office of the President regarding death calls. These and other changes are intended to provide enhanced security through dual control systems.

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