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In the early 1980's it became apparent that national initiatives were needed
to unite and solidify transplantation efforts in the United States. Perceived
inequities in access and availability of transplantation as a result of
congressional hearings in 1 983-1984, along with the increasing use of
cyclosporine (immunosuppressive drug therapy), spurred the development
and passage of the National Organ Transplant Act of 1984. Important
aspects of this law are:
- To conduct comprehensive examinations of the medical, legal, ethical,
economic, and social issues presented by organ procurement and transplantation.
A TASK FORCE ON ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION was formed and presented recommendations
that were later incorporated into the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.
- Establish requirements for certification of Organ Procurement
Organizations (OPO). Having working relationships with hospitals in their
service area and systems for referral and recovery of organs are a few examples
of certification requirements of OPO's. (Note: NEOPO is a certified OPO, see
MISSION STATEMENT for further information).
- Establishment of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)
that is contracted to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) by the
federal government. Functions include:
- 24-hour service for organ allocation.
- Maintain a national list of individual candidates who need organs.
- Maintain a computerized system to match donated organs to potential
recipients following nationwide policies on equitable organ allocation.
- Assist OPO's in the distribution of organs outside of their service areas.
- Development and maintenance of a scientific registry of organ transplant
recipients.
- Prohibit the sale of human organs.
- Establishment of a national registry of bone marrow donors.
For additional information on the National Organ Transplant Act, please click here.
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