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Continuous distribution

The future of organ allocation

The community is creating a patient focused system that increases equity.

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Policies & bylaws

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) brings together medical professionals, transplant recipients and donor families to develop organ transplantation policy. 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.

OPTN policy

OPTN policy icon

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 PDF link Updated 9/3/2024 See latest updates

OPTN bylaws

OPTN bylaws icon

OPTN Bylaws outline membership requirements to participate in the U.S. transplant network. The Membership & Professional Standards Committee (MPSC) oversees the bylaws.

OPTN bylaws PDF link Updated 7/25/2024 See latest updates

Implemented policies & bylaws

Summary of implemented policy and bylaws changes approved by the OPTN Board of Directors.

Implemented policies & bylaws

Compliance & evaluation

The OPTN evaluation plan provides guidance to members on how to comply with OPTN policies and bylaws.

Evaluation plan

Policy development

A step by step look at how OPTN policy is developed with support from members and the transplant community.

OPTN policy development

Policies & 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 comment

Approved policies & bylaws

Summary of approved policy and bylaws changes approved by the OPTN Board of Directors.

Approved policies & bylaws

A closer look

Race & eGFR

View the toolkit for education, FAQ's and other resources to help you prepare.

Race & eGFR

Continuous distribution

Creating a more equitable and patient-focused system for organ allocation.

Continuous distribution

Liver allocation & distribution

The OPTN implemented the acuity circles policy for liver and intestinal organ transplantation on Feb. 4, 2020.

Liver allocation & distribution

Multi-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 transplantation

Refusal 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 codes

COVID-19

The latest information regarding COVID-19 and organ donation and transplant.

COVID-19