Chicago City Wire

WASHINGTON, D.C – On May 24, the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act, introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), was approved by a unanimous vote of the House Energy & Commerce Committee.

Reps. Kelly and Bucshon introduced this legislation in response to market concentration concerns managing organ distribution. The legislation would allow for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to run a competitive process to choose from the best contractors for different national OPTN functions (e.g., health IT, logistics). A better-performing national OPTN will better serve patients across the country.

“Our health determines every aspect of our life. Patients across Illinois and the country should not have to endure unnecessary wait times and complications because of logistical failures in our organ transplant network,” said Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02). “I am pleased that my bipartisan bill to address this critical issue with Rep. Bucshon is moving forward. The Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act has the potential to save thousands of lives, and I look forward to its consideration before the House soon.”

“Seventeen Americans are dying every day waiting for an organ transplant. At the same time, thousands of organs are going to waste due to inefficient and ineffective procurement processes. This bipartisan bill will allow the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to make the National Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network more efficient and effective so more organs can become available nationwide. I look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Kelly to get this vital piece of legislation signed into law,” said Dr. Bucshon.

Original source can be found here.