UNOS Refutes Allegations of Unlawful Behavior in Organ Donation and Transplant System

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), a private non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives through organ donation, has issued a strong rebuttal against accusations of unlawful behavior made during a recent congressional hearing. The allegations, which UNOS claims are defamatory and without evidence, were made by witnesses at a House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Oversight Subcommittee hearing on September 11.

UNOS, which has served as the contractor for the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) for decades, emphatically stated that it has never engaged in any unlawful behavior. The organization addressed several specific allegations made during the hearing, including claims of monopolistic practices, whistleblower retaliation, and issues with organ tracking and board selection processes.

One of the key points of contention was the characterization of UNOS as a monopoly. UNOS clarified that the single-contractor structure was mandated by law, not by UNOS itself. The organization has competed for and won the OPTN contract multiple times since 1986, with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) overseeing the bidding process.

UNOS also strongly denied allegations of whistleblower retaliation, stating that there is no record of such complaints or investigations by law enforcement or government authorities. The organization emphasized its adherence to whistleblower protection laws and its intolerance of retaliation.

Regarding the OPTN board selection process, UNOS refuted claims of non-transparency, explaining that board members are elected by the entire OPTN membership through a process overseen by HRSA. The organization also addressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest among board and committee volunteers, noting that their expertise is crucial and required by federal law, with measures in place to manage conflicts.

UNOS contested allegations of lobbying against reform, highlighting its own Action Agenda for system improvements and its support for HRSA’s OPTN Modernization Initiative. The organization also denied claims of making contract transitions difficult, stating that there has never been a transition of OPTN work to a new contractor.

Addressing concerns about organ tracking, UNOS clarified its role in assisting with organ transportation arrangements when requested, but noted that it is not primarily responsible for transporting organs. The organization has called for a federal tracking system and has developed its own organ tracking system to address this issue.

UNOS also corrected a statement about board overlap, confirming that there is no current overlap between the UNOS board and the OPTN board, following the establishment of a new seven-person UNOS board on March 30, 2024.

This robust defense by UNOS highlights the complex and often contentious nature of organ donation and transplantation oversight in the United States. The organization’s response underscores the importance of accurate information in discussions about the nation’s organ transplant system, which affects thousands of lives annually. As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring an efficient, fair, and transparent system for organ donation and transplantation.

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