President Biden Enacts Groundbreaking Reform to Transform Organ Transplant System
Every day, 17 individuals in the United States lose their lives while awaiting a crucial organ transplant, a sobering statistic highlighted by Donate Life America. However, a glimmer of hope emerges as President Biden, on September 22, signed a bipartisan bill, the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act, ushering in a new era for the nation’s organ transplant system.
Nebraska Medicine nephrologist, Dr. Clifford Miles, emphasizes the critical need for reform, citing the staggering 140,000 people on the transplant list, with kidneys and livers topping the list of most sought-after organs. The bill addresses the pressing issue, aiming to enhance competition among contractors, secure additional funding, and revamp the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN).
The Scope of Change
One of the key objectives of the legislation is to dismantle the monopoly system held by single private nonprofits on the OPTN. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre explains that this move intends to foster competition and improve the overall efficiency of the system.
Dr. Miles underscores the role of the OPTN in coordinating organ procurement, allocation, and transplantation. Since 1987, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), operating as a private non-profit, has managed the OPTN through an exclusive contract with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Addressing Disparities
The reform acknowledges and seeks to rectify disparities in organ transplantation, particularly the disparity in the assessment of candidates based on race. Dr. Miles points out that historically, white patients are more likely to be deemed “appropriate candidates” for organ transplantation compared to Black patients.
“There’s evidence that people of color and those in lower socio-economic statuses are less likely to get organ transplants,” says Dr. Miles. The reform aims to rectify these disparities, from managing organ donors to procurement, addressing scrutiny of transportation procedures, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the entire process.
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Multi-Contract Approach
To accommodate the exponential growth in donors and patients in need of organ transplants, the bill proposes breaking down the OPTN contract into multiple agreements. Dr. Miles envisions a shift from a single contract controlled by one entity to potentially four or five contracts, fostering a more adaptable and efficient system.
While the transformation and modification of organ allocation may take several years, HRSA’s introduction of multiple contracts through open bidding aims to widen eligibility criteria, eliminate barriers, and instill transparency and oversight.
As the nation navigates these changes, the goal is clear: to create a more inclusive, efficient, and responsive organ transplant system. The reform aligns with President Biden’s commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for all Americans.
