Hoosier State Today

On June 7, 2024, a group of U.S. Senators addressed the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Board of Directors to clarify congressional intent regarding the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act. The senators involved were Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).

In their letter, the senators aimed to correct several misunderstandings propagated by the board during recent weeks as the implementation of the Act progresses. "As co-authors and original co-sponsors of the Act, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the law’s intent and what the new statutory language requires," they wrote.

The letter emphasized two key points: "First, combining the Board of Directors with the OPTN is not consistent with congressional intent. Second, the statute in no way implies that the OPTN Board is to be independent of the government. In fact, the statute makes clear that all OPTN functions are directly within the purview of HHS as they are carried out under the auspices of awards made by and overseen by HHS."

Additional documents referenced in their communication can be accessed online. Previously in May, some of these senators had also sent a letter to the Health Resources and Services Administration offering recommendations on how best to implement this legislation.

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