NE Washington News

The Energy and Commerce Committee has initiated a bipartisan inquiry into the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the implementation of new reforms aimed at improving the organ procurement and transplantation system in the United States. Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr., along with other Committee leaders, are leading the effort to ensure the proper implementation of the Securing the U.S. Procurement and Transplantation Network Act.

In a key letter excerpt, the Committee emphasized the importance of addressing errors and inefficiencies in OPTN management, stating that "Americans die each day waiting for organ transplants" and highlighting the need to improve the accountability and effectiveness of the system to better serve patients. The Committee also raised concerns about UNOS's system security, patient safety, equity, and conflict-of-interest issues.

The inquiry includes requests for information from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) regarding the OPTN contract solicitation plan to support fair and competitive practices, promote data transparency and patient safety, and ensure system security and operability. The Committee leaders emphasized the need for strong security measures to protect sensitive patient data held by UNOS.

According to a 2021 report by the United States Digital Service, UNOS was found to lack sufficient technical capabilities to modernize their systems, with fragile core systems and insufficient system uptime for a life-saving operation. Additionally, a 2022 report by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General highlighted cybersecurity failures by UNOS, emphasizing the importance of robust security measures for protecting patient data.

The bipartisan legislation passed in 2023 aims to modernize the OPTN and introduce a competitive process for selecting contractors for different national functions. The Committee's oversight inquiry underscores the importance of addressing patient safety concerns and ensuring transparency and accountability within the organ transplantation system.

The initiative comes in response to alarming reports of safety concerns being ignored, which have raised questions about the effectiveness and trustworthiness of the national organ donation and transplantation system. Through this oversight effort, the Energy and Commerce Committee aims to safeguard lives and uphold the integrity of the organ procurement and transplantation network in the United States.