Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report about its review of the oversight of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), titled “Organ Transplantation: HHS Action Needed to Improve Lifesaving Program.” The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which until 2024 had for decades been the sole contractor for the OPTN, was fully engaged with the GAO throughout its review, and UNOS agrees with the report’s recommendations.
The GAO issued recommendations directed to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) regarding how it should better manage the system. The report reinforces that patients deserve a transplant system with strong oversight and measurable progress, and UNOS commends the GAO for its thorough review and detailed report and recommendations.
UNOS has repeatedly offered HRSA transition plans and other resources to help create a well-defined path for OPTN modernization, and we stand ready, upon HRSA’s authorization, to assist and deliver on that plan.
UNOS’ fee for UNOS tools is optional and distinct from the federal OPTN patient registration fee. Both HRSA and UNOS have clearly communicated with hospitals the difference in the two fees.
The GAO report highlights HRSA’s oversight and risk management, and addresses HRSA’s process for responding to entities data requests. UNOS follows HRSA’s contract requirements, and our approach to data requests is a strong example of good governance in action. Every request follows a documented workflow with privacy, security, and contractual checks; the process is transparent to HRSA and aligned with HRSA’s direction to ensure timely access to information while protecting patients and the integrity of the system.
UNOS has more than 40 years of specialized experience in organ donation and transplantation. We continue to focus on improvements for patients, and we look forward to seeing progress by HRSA toward the GAO’s recommendations.
