COVID-19 operational actions to remain in effect through Dec. 31
The Executive Committee of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, at a virtual meeting held July 30, extended the expiration date for a set of operational actions to help members address and document COVID-19 issues affecting organ donation and transplantation. The measures originally were set to expire on Sept. 30, 2020; they will now expire on Dec. 31, 2020. NOTE: The measures will stay in effect, subject to ongoing review of their applicability and effectiveness (updated Dec. 11, 2020).
The Executive Committee initially adopted these measures on April 3, 2020. In accordance with OPTN bylaws, these actions will be posted for retrospective public comment in the cycle beginning August 4.
The measures are described in greater detail on the COVID-19 resource page and in the Policy Notices section of the OPTN website. They include:
- Several time-limited changes to data reporting requirements to allow members to focus on data collection most critical to the donation and transplant process
- Inclusion of new data fields to allow members to document actions relating specifically to COVID-19 affecting potential organ donors and transplant candidates
- An option for kidney transplant programs to apply for retroactive waiting time for qualifying transplant candidates who have not yet begun dialysis
COVID-19 webinars now available on UNOS Connect
A series of COVID-19 webinars is now accessible to all members on UNOS Connect. In these educational offerings, transplant and OPO professionals share effective practices related to organ recovery and transplantation during COVID-19. To view webinars, log in to UNOS Connect and search by course number. Find course numbers, topics and panelist information here.
Reminders
Registration information now available for Summer 2020 virtual regional meetings
After reviewing all available information, we have decided to host all summer 2020 regional meetings virtually. Meetings begin in August. Registration information for each meeting is now available on the OPTN regional meeting page.
Organ recovery teams are encouraged to be aware of state and local travel restrictions related to COVID-19
Teams travelling for organ recovery should check for potential issues with inter-state travel regulations such as recommended or required quarantine time frames.
Additional resources
- Top COVID-19 resources: Access webinars, daily data visualizations, links to the latest information from the organ donation and transplantation community, and more on the UNOS COVID-19 resources page. Check back frequently for updates.
- Answers to patient questions: UNOS Chief Medical Officer David Klassen, M.D., answers questions for patients about COVID-19 and the waitlist, inactivation, donor testing and other important topics.
- COVID-19 related policy and operational questions: For COVID-19 related policy and operational inquires, members can contact member questions at [email protected].
Stay current
We will continue to update the UNOS COVID-19 resources page as guidance is developed and enhanced.
