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Reporting allegations of misconduct

An allegation of misconduct related to organ donation or organ transplantation is a claim that an OPTN member or other medical provider is engaging in wrongdoing, including but not limited to providing care in a manner that violates a law, regulation, or OPTN policy. Reporting these allegations can help make HRSA, the federal agency that oversees the OPTN, aware of concerns it may not learn of otherwise so that it may be able to take appropriate action.

Submitting a report

Anyone may file a complaint reporting an allegation of misconduct. To submit a report of alleged misconduct, email OPTNComplaints@hrsa.gov. Submitting a report via email is for non-emergency issues only, as this email address is not monitored 24 hours a day. If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

HRSA encourages people submitting allegations to include supporting information and contact information in case additional information is needed to understand the allegation and act on the report; however, you can choose to submit a report anonymously. HRSA will not share your identity or contact information with anyone unless required to do so by law, regulation, or court order.

If your report involves the OPTN Executive Director, please state that in your message. If you would like confirmation that your report has been received, please provide your contact information. All reports will be promptly investigated, and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the results of the investigation.

Protections for reporters of alleged misconduct

HRSA and the OPTN are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe reporting concerns of unethical conduct, violations of laws or regulations, or other serious matters.

Specifically, the OPTN Management and Membership Policies prohibit retaliation against any person who in good faith reports concerns about:

  • A suspected ethics violation
  • A suspected violation of law that is not specific to the organ donation or transplant context, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud; or
  • A suspected violation of NOTA or any regulation governing the operations of the OPTN

Reports should be made in good faith, meaning the individual must have a reasonable belief that the information being reported is true. HRSA and the OPTN encourage individuals to report concerns as soon as they arise.

The process for reporting allegations of misconduct is different from other feedback processes for the OPTN, including:

  • Patient safety concerns: OPTN Members (using their UNet ID) are required to report a wide range of patient safety concerns through the OPTN Patient Safety Reporting Portal.
  • Critical comments: To promote greater transparency, HRSA has directed the OPTN to publish critical comments submitted to the OPTN as well as the OPTN responses.