Mayo Clinic requires preregistration for whole-body donation. The prospective donor must sign the Consent for Mayo Clinic Body Donation form. Mayo Clinic no longer accepts power of attorney, next of kin, guardian, or conservator signatures on behalf of the potential donor. The donor authorizes the gift of whole-body donation before death, but the legal next of kin is responsible for carrying out the donor's wishes. If the next of kin opposes the donation, it will not occur. Mayo Clinic advises donors to notify their families of their intentions.

See initiating the donation process.