Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing
Today – Thursday, December 11, 2025 – the Senate HELP Committee is holding a full committee hearing titled, “Examining the Future of the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.”
UNOS will use this space to fact-check any witness statements that require correction or clarification.
Witnesses are:
- John C. Magee, M.D., President, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Board of Directors
- Seth J. Karp, M.D., System Surgeon-in-Chief, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Anthony Wright, Executive Director, Families USA
10:15 a.m.
Statement by Dr. Seth Karp: The system has a biased adoption of OPTN policy. Recent OPTN policies led to increased organ discards and increased costs. “Policies have been determined by special interests.”
Facts: The OPTN Board and OPTN committees are comprised of a diverse cross-section of the transplantation community, as required by the OPTN Final Rule. All of the OPTN’s policies are adopted through a transparent policy-making process, which includes public comment.
10:16 a.m.
Statement by Dr. Seth Karp: “The contractor has owned critical technology platforms. The U.S. Digital Service characterized the legacy OPTN contractor as hostile and threatening when being encouraged to be more transparent and accountable.”
Facts: At all times, UNOS has provided full cooperation and access to OPTN data in accordance with federal regulations and our contractual obligations.
As outlined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.227-14 Rights in Data-General and incorporated into the OPTN contract, HRSA has the right to access, and possess OPTN data, and to do with it as it chooses whenever it chooses. UNOS does not restrict HRSA’s access to OPTN data. UNOS abides by the terms of its contract with HRSA and rigorously adheres to all applicable provisions of the FAR to ensure every aspect of our operations meets or exceeds federal standards.
10:20 a.m.
Statement by Anthony Wright: The government needs to “… break up the existing monopoly contractor…”
Facts: Prior to the passage of the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act of 2023, federal law required that only one contractor operate the OPTN. HRSA, not UNOS, structures the OPTN contract and the bid process. HRSA issued requests for proposals for a single organization to operate the OPTN in 1986, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2005, and 2018. UNOS submitted a bid proposal at each opportunity to compete and was awarded the OPTN contract by HRSA each time.
UNOS is no longer the sole contractor supporting the OPTN. HRSA awarded an OPTN Board Support contract to American Institutes for Research (AIR) to support the OPTN Board in August, 2024. Use of the term “monopoly” to describe UNOS’ historical position as the sole OPTN contractor suggests that there is (or should be) a “market” for organ donation and transplant in America – a position with which UNOS strongly disagrees. Further, it suggests that there was no opportunity for other organizations to compete for the contract, which is false.
10:33 a.m.
Statement by (multiple mentions): Donor organs are “harvested”
Facts: The term “harvest” is not used in OPTN policy or by UNOS because it is considered dehumanizing and inconsistent with the respect and ethical standards that are owed to donors and their families. UNOS promotes language that reflects dignity and compassion, such as “organ recovery” or “organ procurement.” While UNOS does not control all terminology used externally, we encourage respectful language throughout the donation and transplant process.