OPTN Regional Review
Since the OPTN was founded in 1986, it has used administrative boundaries, or “regions,” to organize OPTN governance and operations. The regions were broadly shaped by historical patterns of patient referral and non-local organ sharing. For over 34 years, these regional boundaries have supported the OPTN through representation, communication, operations, governance and data analysis. Since the creation of these administrative boundaries, the donation and transplantation community has evolved and advanced into what it is today.
We are committed to continuously improving our national transplant system
The Regional Review seeks to optimize governance and operational effectiveness answering fundamental questions, including:
- What are the OPTN Regions expected to accomplish – for the OPTN, for members, and for patients?
- What is the basis for geographic regions in the governance of OPTN in an era of broader geographic distribution?
- Does the current regions approach work?
- Is the current configuration of regions optimal?
- What other regional configurations might be considered?
- How many regions should there be?
- What basis (or bases) might be considered for reconfiguration?
We want to hear from you!
Community feedback is crucial to help us analyze and shape the future of OPTN regions.
OPTN Regional Review Project Roadmap
| 2020 action | Timing |
|---|---|
| Request for community input | Summer |
| Issue RFP for external vendor to conduct the project | Fall |
| Select external vendor to lead project | Late Fall |
| 2021 action | Timing |
|---|---|
| Vendor will review community input and connect with the community Vendor will study OPTN system, other national governance systems, and prepare recommendations for Board of Directors review | Winter & Spring |
| OPTN Board of Directors receives recommendations and evaluates options | Summer |
| Recommendations to be issued for public comment after review by the Board of Directors | Summer & Fall |
| Board of Directors considers recommendations from public comment and approves any changes | Winter |
| 2022 action |
|---|
| Implementation of Board-approved recommendations |
Learn more
As part of the Regional Review, the OPTN will select a third-party vendor to evaluate the regional structure. The feedback from the first opportunity for community input will be informational to the selected vendor.
Throughout the lifespan of the project, there will be additional opportunities for the community to provide input. The selected vendor will create a final assessment of the current structure with recommendations for change to the OPTN Board of Directors.
All proposed changes will be released for public comment prior to Board action.
For more details about this project, please visit the OPTN Regional Review page.