OPTN policy development committees develop and refine official OPTN policy. These committees are made up of transplant professionals, patient and donor affairs representatives, and members of the public. Each committee has a particular policy focus. Each committee considers policy proposals, sometimes collaborating with other committees, and offers comments reflecting the constituency or discipline they represent.

Members of OPTN policy development committees contribute content expertise to the policy development process.

Terms of service

• Three year commitment with a minimum of two to four hours of meetings each month
• Travel to two in-person meetings per year is required (expenses reimbursed)
• Additional participation requirements for the Membership and Professional Standards Committee (MPSC)

Committee composition requirements

The OPTN Final Rule requires all committees include representation from:

• Transplant coordinators
• Organ procurement organizations
• Transplant hospitals
• At least one transplant patient, living donor or donor family member

The OPTN Final Rule also calls for committees to have minority and gender representation reflecting the diversity of the population of transplant patients, living donors or donor family members to the extent practicable.

Participation requirements

• Ongoing, formal disclosure of all real and potential conflicts of interest (annually at minimum)
• Pledge to abide by OPTN confidentiality of information policies (annually)
• Complete all orientation training
• Participate in at least 80 percent of scheduled meetings and conference calls
• Travel to two in-person meetings annually (expenses reimbursed)
• Advance review of meeting materials

As members are appointed with the expectation of contributing to the policy-making process, consistent non-participation from any member is likely to result in dismissal from the committee.

The OPTN Board of Directors is the governing body for official OPTN policy.

The Board of Directors is a group of 41 nationally elected members who represent a broad spectrum of constituencies in the transplant community. With committee support, the Board creates and refines policy to improve the effectiveness of the current system for organ procurement and transplantation.

Board members may be elected or appointed to one of the four Board committees: Executive, Finance, the Network Operations Oversight Committee (NOOC), and/or Nominating.

Members of the OPTN Board of Directors commit to serving the transplant community by adopting a global governance mindset in decision-making.

Terms of service

• Two or three year terms (depending on role)
• Two in-person meetings annually (expenses reimbursed)
• Periodic teleconferences
• Optional Board committee service opportunities

Board of Directors composition requirements

The OPTN Final Rule stipulates that the Board is comprised of:

• 50 percent transplant surgeons or transplant physicians
• At least 25 percent transplant patients, living donors or donor family members
  Transplant patient, living donor or donor family member representation should represent to the extent practicable, the minority and gender diversity of that population
• Representatives of organ procurement organizations
• Representatives of transplant hospitals
• Representatives of voluntary health associations
• Transplant coordinators
• Histocompatibility experts
• Non-physician transplant professionals
• General public members
• The OPTN Executive Director (Ex-Officio/non-voting)
• HRSA Representatives (Ex-Officio/non-voting)

Participation requirements

• Attest to carry out the responsibilities of the OPTN, using your own independent judgment in offering advice, opinions, votes or decision, irrespective of any responsibilities you may have to any other organization or the OPTN contractor (annually)
• Agree to abide by the Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality policy
• Travel to two in-person meetings annually (expenses reimbursed)
• Complete approximately 8 hours of orientation training
• Attend the June Board meeting in Richmond, Va., for in-person orientation prior to beginning your term July 1
• Attend public comment meetings in your home region twice a year