Will the Government Lose Its Say in Organ Transplant Distribution?
Maybe if the House Has Its Way
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The House of Representatives passed legislation this week by a 275-147 vote that would remove the government's authority to regulate organ-transplant policy. Sponsored by Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R., Fla.), the bill gives that authority to transplant centers and the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). UNOS is a private, not-for-profit, membership corporation that maintains the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network as well as the US Scientific Registry on Organ Transplantation under contract with the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The bill was a response to a new regulation the HHS created to try and disperse organs equally across the country. The current distribution system offers organs to patients within the originating region before being offered nationally. Opponents say that method is unfair because the most critically ill patient will not necessarily receive the transplant. As of April 2, 2000, the UNOS national patient waiting list showed 68,805 patients awaiting organ transplants.
Clean Hospitals Corner With Alexandra Peters, PhD: The Issues Around Outsourcing
November 7th 2024Outsourcing environmental hygiene in health care facilities offers cost benefits but often compromises quality. Effective oversight, training, and standards are essential for ensuring patient safety.
The Critical Role of Rapid Diagnostics in Antibiotic Stewardship
November 6th 2024Rapid diagnostics enhance patient outcomes by enabling prompt, targeted treatments, reducing inappropriate antibiotic use, and combating antimicrobial resistance through informed clinical decisions and stewardship programs.
