Policy changes

System notice: Clarification of pre-existing liver disease implemented March 1

Clarification addresses how candidates with prior liver disease may be listed for an urgent repeat transplant.

System notice: Access for urgent liver candidates in Hawaii and Puerto Rico implemented Feb. 18

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, a variance was implemented to improve timely access to donors for liver candidates listed as Status 1A, Status 1B, or with a MELD or PELD score of 37 or higher in Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

New national liver and intestinal organ transplant system in effect Feb. 4, 2020

New national liver and intestinal organ transplant system based on acuity circles implemented Feb. 4, 2020.

Pre-implementation notice: Liver and intestinal organ distribution policy based on acuity circles to be implemented Feb. 4, 2020

On Tuesday, Feb. 4, the liver and intestine distribution systems based on acuity circles will begin operation. This will also include a conversion of each transplant hospital’s median MELD at transplant (MMaT) score to reflect transplants performed at hospitals within a radius of 250 miles.

Updated liver and intestinal organ allocation policy to be implemented Feb. 4, 2020

New policy will be implemented Feb 4 to allow for computer programming and notification of members.

NRLB update: MMaT calculation now based on DSA of transplant hospital

Effective May 24, 2019, at 10:15 p.m. EDT, the median MELD at transplant (MMaT) scores for liver candidates with exception scores are now based on recent liver transplants performed at liver transplant hospitals within the donation service area (DSA) where the candidates are listed.

OPTN liver allocation policy reverted to DSA and regions

Please refer to this page for the latest news and important updates about liver distribution policy changes:

New liver distribution policy takes effect May 14

Find information about OPTN policy and bylaws changes approved at OPTN Board of Directors meetings, including implementation dates and any actions you need to take.

OPTN Board of Directors updates

Stay up to date on the latest news from the OPTN Board of Directors meetings.