The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Final Rule¹ requires the OPTN to implement policies related to VCAs and identify all covered body parts in any policies specific to VCAs. Current OPTN/UNOS Bylaws and Policies do not consistently specify these covered body parts. This proposal contains a list of covered body parts to include in OPTN/UNOS Bylaws and Policies in order to meet the requirements of the Final Rule.

The list of covered body parts is not an endorsement of research on a new type of organ transplant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the OPTN. The intent of these modifications is to make the OPTN/UNOS Bylaws and Policies consistent with the federal regulation, to provide transparency in what body parts are considered VCAs, and to define the scope of oversight by the OPTN.

1. CFR §121.4(e)(3), https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-I/subchapter-K/part-121