Blood, Bone Marrow, and Organ Donation Leave

Who needs policies relating to Blood, Bone Marrow, and Organ Donation Leave?

If you operate in a state that has a blood, bone marrow, or organ donation leave law, you need a policy. States like California, Illinois, and New York have already enacted protections, and others have followed suit. These laws often require employers above a certain size threshold to provide paid or unpaid leave, so your headcount matters too.

Even if your state doesn't have a law, you may still want a policy. Donation leave communicates that your organization values employees as whole people, not just workers. It can also be a competitive benefit in recruiting and retention because supporting someone in literally saving lives is hard to top as a culture win.

If you're a multi-state employer or based in one of the states with these laws, having a clear policy is not just smart, it may be legally necessary.

The exhaustive history behind Blood, Bone Marrow, and Organ Donation Leave

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Jurisdictions with laws on Blood, Bone Marrow, and Organ Donation Leave

Donation leave laws are designed to make sure employees can take time off to give blood, bone marrow, or even an organ without putting their job on the line.

These laws exist at the state level, not federally. States like Connecticut, Oregon, Maryland, and a growing list of others have carved out specific protections, often requiring paid or unpaid leave depending on the type of donation. Some states cover all employers, while others only apply once you hit a certain employee count.