Proposal to Revise the OPTN Charter
At a glance
Current charter
The OPTN Charter outlines the purpose of the OPTN, its Board and governance structure, and its membership. The Charter must be consistent with the requirements in the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) and the OPTN Final Rule. The OPTN Executive Committee reviewed the OPTN Charter and identified some revisions that will eliminate redundancy and enhance consistency with both NOTA and the Final Rule.
Presentation
Proposed changes
- The proposed revisions to the OPTN Charter are intended to assure the OPTN Charter is consistent with NOTA and the Final Rule, accurately reflects the relationship between the OPTN and the OPTN Contractor, and covers all aspects of OPTN operations.
Anticipated impact
If approved by the OPTN Board of Directors, the revisions to the OPTN Charter would be effective immediately. There would be no impact on OPTN Members or the OPTN.
Terms to know
- Charter: document that outlines the purpose of an organization, explains the identity of an organization, and outlines the governing and membership structure of an organization.
- National Organ Transplant Act: The U.S. Congress passed the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) in 1984 to address the organ donation shortage and improve the organ matching process. The act established the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) to maintain a national system to match organs and individuals.
- OPTN Final Rule: a regulatory framework for the structure and operations of the OPTN
Click here to search the OPTN glossary
Comments
UC San Diego Health Center for Transplantation | 03/23/2022
CASD is generally in agreement with the proposal to revise the OPTN Charter to eliminate redundancy or inconsistency with NOTA and the Final Rule, and to more clearly describe the work of the OPTN.
Anonymous | 03/23/2022
1 strongly support, 9 support, 1 neutral/abstain, 0 oppose, 0 strongly oppose
American Society of Transplantation | 03/22/2022
The American Society of Transplantation is generally supportive of the proposal and offers the following comment for consideration. In the proposal, Article 1 (Organization) states, “The OPTN Contractor serves as the OPTN by contract..." whereas the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) states, “The OPTN Contractor operates the OPTN by contract...” The proposed wording creates ambiguity about whether work the OPTN Contractor performs outside the OPTN contract can be construed as work being done by the OPTN. Arguably, the current wording in the OPTN Charter is less ambiguous in this regard- “"The OPTN is a part of the OPTN Contractor’s organization and operations."
View attachment from American Society of Transplantation
Anonymous | 03/22/2022
4 strongly support, 14 support, 5 neutral/abstain, 0 oppose, 0 strongly oppose
Anonymous | 03/21/2022
I believe that change being proposed confirms and perhaps enhances the current charter, an action I believe is warranted.
Anonymous | 03/21/2022
Sentiment: 3 strongly support, 11 support, 1 neutral/abstain, 0 oppose, 0 strongly oppose. Comments: An attendee commented that the charter should be updated to take into consideration worldly changes to the medical community.
NATCO | 03/21/2022
NATCO supports the proposal to revise the OPTN Charter to remain consistent with the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) and the Final Rule. We do not foresee any unintentional consequences or post implementation monitoring that would be needed.
Anonymous | 03/21/2022
Sentiment: 2 strongly support, 11 support, 4 neutral/abstain, 0 oppose, 0 strongly oppose. No comments.
Anonymous | 03/18/2022
Sentiment: 5 Strongly Support; 4 Support; 4 Neutral/Abstain; 0 Oppose; 0 Strongly Oppose. No comments.
Anonymous | 03/17/2022
Sentiment: 1 strongly support, 10 support, 1 neutral/abstain, 0 oppose, 0 strongly oppose. Comments: Region 9 supported this proposal with one member recommending further clarification about how the revisions would change current bylaws.
American Society of Transplant Surgeons | 03/17/2022
The American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) strongly supports this OPTN proposal and thanks the Executive Committee for aligning language in the OPTN charter with the Final Rule.
American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) | 03/11/2022
ANNA supports
View attachment from American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA)
Anonymous | 03/02/2022
• Sentiment: 2 strongly support, 11 support, 2 neutral/abstain, 1 oppose, 0 strongly oppose • A representative stated this proposal should be reviewed further based on concerns regarding UNOS and OPTN committee leadership.
Richard Perez | 02/24/2022
The NYS regions have many or to many people on the waiting list and this would make it posible to help more people.
Anonymous | 02/23/2022
3 strongly support, 13 support, 2 neutral/abstain, 0 oppose, 0 strongly oppose - Region 8 supported this proposal and a member noted that this proposal does not seem controversial.
Anonymous | 02/18/2022
3 strongly support, 19 support, 4 neutral/abstain, 1 oppose, 0 strongly oppose - Region 4 supported the proposal with one attendee commenting that the presentation on the OPTN website is vague and there is limited information available to make a decision.
Anonymous | 02/16/2022
4 Strongly Support, 22 Support, 7 Neutral/Abstain, 0 Oppose, 0 Strongly Oppose
Anonymous | 02/16/2022
5 Strongly Support, 10 Support, 0 Neutral/Abstain, 0 Oppose, 0 Strongly Oppose