NE Washington News

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) delivered opening remarks at a hearing titled “A Year Removed: Oversight of Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act Implementation.”

“Today’s hearing is an opportunity to examine the national organ procurement system and provide oversight into the implementation of the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act,” said Griffith.

Griffith highlighted issues within the current state of organ transplantation in the United States, noting that over 100,000 individuals are waiting for an organ transplant, with approximately 17 people dying each day while waiting. He cited a study indicating that more than 28,000 viable organs are not recovered annually.

The National Organ Transplant Act of 1984 established a national framework for organ transplants, creating the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has been the sole contractor operating OPTN since 1986. Griffith pointed out various inefficiencies within UNOS operations, attributing them to its monopoly status and potential conflicts of interest among board members.

According to a Senate Finance Committee report, over 1,100 complaints were filed between 2010 and 2020 regarding the organ transplant system. These inefficiencies stem from inadequate oversight and management of Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs), which are responsible for procuring organs for transplantation.

Griffith mentioned several incidents highlighting systemic failures, including transportation mishaps leading to unviable organs. He emphasized the need for better tracking systems similar to those used by commercial couriers.

In response to these issues, H.R. 2544, the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act, was signed into law in 2023. This legislation allows multiple entities to bid for contracts related to logistics and health IT within the organ transplant network, ending UNOS’ monopoly.

The bill also introduces accountability measures by establishing separate boards within the transplant system under Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which now has authority to modernize the system.

Griffith stressed Congress' role in ensuring HRSA's successful implementation of this law to prevent previous failures from recurring. He called for openness to innovative solutions addressing organ shortages, citing examples from his district involving genetically modified pig organs and technologies extending organ viability.

“I am hopeful that we are moving in the right direction to help mitigate the failures of our current organ transplant system,” Griffith concluded. “Congress will be watching to ensure this new law is implemented effectively.”