Reps. Kelly and Bucshon Introduce Bipartisan Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), introduced the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has held a monopoly over the contract to manage organ distribution since 1984. Recent reports have raised concerns about how this monopoly affects the National Procurement and Transplantation Network. The legislation would allow for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to run a competitive process to choose from the best contractors for different national OPTN functions (e.g., health IT, logistics). A better-performing national OPTN will better serve patients across the country. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Bucshon,” said Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02). “The Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act will make the U.S. organ transplant network more effective and efficient, making vital organs more available to patients across Illinois and the country. As our country continues to move forward at a rapid pace, with new technologies becoming available every day, we owe it to our constituents to bring our medical practices into the 21st century and save lives.” “Every year, thousands of potentially lifesaving organs go to waste, even as Americans die waiting for transplants. We can and must work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organ transplantation process. I am proud to partner with Rep. Kelly to introduce the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act, to help make more organs available to Hoosiers and all Americans,” said Dr. Bucshon. ### |