We are thrilled to announce that the Organ Procurement Transplant Network Act has just been passed by Congress! This is a giant step forward improving the organ transplant system. We want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the incredible volunteers, advocates, and supporters who have tirelessly worked towards making this significant legislation a reality!
Congress authorizes overhaul of troubled organ transplant system
By law, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) is operated under contract between Health and Human Services (HHS) and United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). UNOS manages the national transplant waiting list, matching donors to recipients according to policies developed by the community and approved by the OPTN Board of Directors. UNOS is the only contractor to ever hold, or bid for, the OPTN contract.
Reps. Larry Bucshon and Robin Kelly introduced the bill H.R. 2544 and Rep Ron Wyden introduced the bill S. 1888 to make organ procurement and transplantation more effective and efficient. This legislation will allow the contracts to be open to other entities with the goal in mind of improving technology, data transparency, governance, operations, quality, and innovation.
The goal of the legislation is to open the process up for bid. RSN would like to see many changes including:
RSN would like to see many changes to the OPTN including:
- Improve tracking of organs through a GPS system to prevent loss or delay.
- Create a transparent system to know if someone is active on the waiting list.
- Update the OPTN system that is used to match and track transplants.
H.R. 2544 U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act
S. 1668 U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act
More news and Letters regarding this bill:
Senate introduces bill to revamp organ procurement process
Bipartisan Senators Introduce Legislation to Break Up Monopoly Contract for Organ Donation Network
May 1, 2023 Representative Bucshon and Representative Kelly; Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act (H.R. 2544) Stakeholder Letter
HRSA Announces Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Modernization Initiative
