Committees play a vital role in establishing and improving the policies governing the operation of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), including the procurement and allocation of organs, as well as the rights and obligations of all members.

What do committees do?

The main job of each committee is to review proposed policies and provide assessments to the Board of Directors. In making assessments, committees can take into account historical, legal, and operational considerations, as well as all public comments received on the proposed policy. Each committee has a specific charge which describes the scope of the committee's work. Learn more about specific committees now

Why are committees necessary?

By tasking the committees with researching and developing policy proposals, the Board can focus its time and resources on refining policy to improve the effectiveness of the current system for organ procurement and transplantation.

Who is on the committees?

There are currently 21 committees made up of approximately 350 members, including transplantation and organ procurement professionals, representatives of patient advocacy organizations, patients, donors, patient and donor family members, and the general public. View committee members now

How are committee members chosen?

The President, with approval of the Board of Directors, appoints the chairs and members of committees for two-year terms. Members of the Patient Affairs and Ethics Committees serve for three-year terms. These terms may be extended under certain conditions.

Committee chairs and vice chairs
Qualifications for committee chairs include, but are not limited to, demonstrated participation within a UNOS region and/or committee, and expertise or experience within the specific committee's area.

Recommendations for committee chairs and vice chairs come from previous committee chairs, regional councilors, and members, as well as input from other organizations.

Committee members
A person is appointed to a committee as either a regional representative or an at-large appointee:

• Nominations for regional committee members are made to the President by the regional councilors. Regional councilors receive suggestions for committee members at regional meetings during discussions with individual members and from out-going committee representatives.
• At-large appointees are selected individuals and organizations who provide the committee with additional expertise.

How do I learn more about participating in OPTN/UNOS committees?

A recent OPTN/UNOS committee orientation session recorded via LiveMeeting provides a good overview, including:

• a description of OPTN and UNOS processes,
• an explanation of recent Executive Committee changes that will affect all OPTN/UNOS committees,
• thoughts on sound policy development,
• an introduction to UNOS research services, and
• instructions on making flight and lodging arrangements for OPTN/UNOS meetings.

View recording