Policies & bylaws
We strive to be a transparent, evidence-based, organization that works collaboratively to increase the number of and access to transplants, improve patient outcomes and promote safety.
The OPTN acts through its Board of Directors and committees. They bring a wealth of commitment and technical knowledge to guide the OPTN. Committees address issues of concern in the transplant community.
Current policies & bylaws
For archived versions of OPTN Policies & Bylaws, please contact member.questions@unos.org.
In December 2024, the OPTN Board of Directors approved the separation of the previous OPTN Bylaws into two documents to better clarify the purpose of each. The OPTN Bylaws now focus specifically on OPTN governance and the responsibilities of the OPTN Board of Directors. The OPTN Management and Membership Policies address specific requirements for OPTN membership, including detailed criteria for member institutions.
NOTE: As of July 2024, the Independent Network for Equitable and Safe Transplants (INVEST) Board was established to serve as the OPTN Board of Directors through a designation agreement issued by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). References in the OPTN Bylaws to INVEST are in the context of that relationship.
OPTN Policy
OPTN policies are rules that govern operation of all member transplant hospitals, organ procurement organizations (OPOs) and histocompatibility labs in the U.S.
OPTN Policy
Updated 12/11/2024 See latest updatesOPTN Management and Membership Policies
The OPTN Management and Membership Policies address administrative aspects of the OPTN and requirements for OPTN membership.
View policies Updated 12/2/2024OPTN Bylaws
The OPTN Bylaws focus on the structure and operation of the Board of Directors and OPTN governance.
OPTN Bylaws Updated 12/2/2024 See latest updatesImplemented policies & bylaws
Summary of implemented policy and bylaws changes approved by the OPTN Board of Directors.
Implemented policies & bylawsCompliance & evaluation
The OPTN evaluation plan provides guidance to members on how to comply with OPTN requirements.
Evaluation planPolicy development
A step by step look at how OPTN policy is developed with support from members and the transplant community.
OPTN policy developmentPolicies & bylaws in development
Public comment
Public comment feedback is collected on policy and bylaws proposals before they go to the OPTN board of directors for approval.
About public commentApproved policies & bylaws
Summary of approved policy and bylaws changes approved by the OPTN Board of Directors.
Approved policies & bylawsA closer look
Race & eGFR
View the toolkit for education, FAQ's and other resources to help you prepare.
Race & eGFRContinuous distribution
Creating a more equitable and patient-focused system for organ allocation.
Continuous distributionLiver allocation & distribution
The OPTN implemented the acuity circles policy for liver and intestinal organ transplantation on Feb. 4, 2020.
Liver allocation & distributionMulti-organ transplantation
Learn how the OPTN is developing and proposing allocation policies that address multiple organ groups and the practice of multi-organ allocation.
Multi-organ transplantationRefusal codes
The OPTN Final Rule requires transplant programs to provide to the OPTN “reasons for refusal” of organ offers made to candidates registered at their programs.
Refusal codesCOVID-19
The latest information regarding COVID-19 and organ donation and transplant.
COVID-19