HOPE® Program for Hospice Patients and the Terminally Ill: Enroll a Patient
Anyone interested in body donation to science who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, or is under hospice or palliative care, can be screened for acceptance into Science Care's HOPE® Program.
Science Care is a no-cost option that includes transportation, cremation, the return of cremated remains not matched with a current Science Care program and filing of the death certificate. The majority of patients will qualify to donate their body to science. We will never share their information or yours.
Simply complete the form below or call Science Care at (800) 417-3747 ext. 2 to complete a screening.
HOPE® Program Benefits
- Joining the Science Care Registry is not required prior to joining the HOPE Program.
- No upper age limit, most people will qualify.
- Allows for pre-screening and one-year priority consideration for acceptance into our program at the time of passing, for peace of mind.
- No cost associated with the coordination of transportation, filing of the death certificate, cremation, or the return of cremated remains to your loved one upon acceptance into the HOPE Program. Some restrictions apply.
- Phone line (800) 417-3747 is available 24 hours.
How does the HOPE® Program work?
- Review our HOPE® Program checklist and process here.
- The patient must be diagnosed as terminally ill, or be under hospice or palliative care.
- The patient, family, loved one, or healthcare provider may initiate the HOPE® Program process by filling out the form above or by calling Science Care at (800) 417-3747 ext. 2.
- A quick pre-screen is required to determine if the patient meets criteria for current research or training programs.
- Once accepted, Science Care will work with the patient, legal next of kin, and/or healthcare provider to complete as much of the donation paperwork as legally allowed. This includes self-consent for patients who are able to sign. There can be no history of memory loss, confusion, Alzheimer’s, or dementia at the time of signing. This simplifies the process at the time of the patient’s passing.
- Science Care will determine the highest consenting class in order to obtain consent after passing, if needed.
- At the time of passing, all required paperwork or follow-up questions will be finalized. Science Care will arrange for transportation and cremation.
- Tissue not recovered for research and education is cremated and returned typically in 3-5 weeks from the time the physician signs the death certificate, if a cremated remains recipient is designated.
Request a Medical Screening for Priority Acceptance
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Change the Future of Medicine and Help Generations to Come
The gift of body donation provides a pathway to greater medical knowledge and discovery. Science Care donors have made contributions to medical research and education in areas such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, orthopedics, and more.
Program Terms & Conditions
- The HOPE® Program donor and/or donor family has completed the medical screening assessment process with Science Care and it is determined that current donation criteria are met.
- A legally valid authorization for donation and cremation must be provided to Science Care by the donor before the time of passing, or by the required number of the highest legal order next of kin after the time of passing.
- The terms and conditions as established by Science Care’s informed consent for donation and cremation will apply.
- The donor or legal next of kin must not have revoked the informed consent for donation or cremation, which they may legally revoke at any point in the process prior to tissue procurement.
- The donor must be in one of the eligible states at the time of passing. We are not able to accept donations from countries outside of the U.S.
- Upon passing, timely notification to Science Care is required in order to maintain tissue integrity for medical research and education.
- Participation in the HOPE Program is valid for 12 months from the time of enrollment.
- Science Care cannot guarantee the patient will pass in a manner that allows for donation and placement into our Program. Donation is conditional upon current medical suitability as defined by Science Care and the ability to place the donation with current medical research and education projects at the time of passing. This honors the intent of the donation and safely serves the needs of the medical community — for more information, please see our FAQ regarding exclusions for donation. All donors who register their intent with our program are encouraged to establish an alternate plan, and to discuss with their loved ones their wishes if donation is ultimately not possible at the time of passing.
- Science Care reserves the right to change the terms of or discontinue the HOPE Program at any time and without prior notice.
- The HOPE Program will be conducted under the terms established by Science Care standard policies and procedures, and in accordance with all applicable state, federal and local laws.
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