Network for Hope is disappointed in the New York Times story that declines to include factual clarifications and critical context about organ and tissue donation. Network for Hope obtained notice of full compliance after an audit from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) in May. The letter we received from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) includes requirements of which some were submitted and approved by CMS.
Network for Hope remains committed to transparency and to the mission of saving lives. That commitment has not changed. The only people hurt by inaccuracies in journalism are those who are awaiting a second chance for life.
We are closely monitoring public communication and remain fully committed to transparency and accurately educating the public on organ donation.
Network for Hope is in full compliance with all requirements of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We are fully committed to transparency and accountability to their regulations regarding Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) donation.
We are equally committed to addressing the recent guidance from the HRSA and we are already evaluating whether any updates to our current practices are needed. Our goal has always been and will remain to meet the highest ethical and medical standards in donation and transplantation.
We are working closely with the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO), and we will do all we can to rebuild public trust in Network for Hope and organ donation nationally.
Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) are highly regulated by CMS and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). These agencies define when donation is possible and how end-of-life decisions are handled – not OPOs. OPOs are required to evaluate all referrals for donation potential and to provide donation opportunities for any patient that is medically qualified to donate and for which donation aligns with their plan of care, however this is separate from the termination of care decisions.
OPOs are required to evaluate all referrals for donation potential and to provide donation opportunities for any patient that is medically qualified to donate and for which donation aligns with their plan of care, however, this is separate from the termination of care decisions.
All organ clinical staff undergo mandatory annual training on DCD, with additional resources encouraged for ongoing education and improvement.
OPOs do not provide patient care and do not declare death. That responsibility lies solely with the patient’s independent healthcare providers. In the case of DCD donation, the OPO works alongside the medical providers to gather information on organ suitability and establish organ matching prior to the planned withdraw of care while the medical provider remains in control of the treatment of the patient. If at any time during this process, the medical provider determines that a patient’s plan of care should be reconsidered, the OPO stands by and awaits further decisions from the provider and the family. At no time does the OPO take over care of a patient prior to their officially declared death.
OPOs may only proceed with organ recovery after death has been independently declared, and only if the patient has registered their decision to be a donor or the next of kin authorizes donation.
If a patient’s condition improves or death is not declared, the OPO in conjunction with the medical provider informs the family and the donation process does not move forward. Provision of care during this time always remains under the purview of the medical provider.
Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) do not declare death; we only proceed with organ recovery after an independent healthcare provider has officially declared the patient deceased. Organ donation is a life-saving procedure, and we remain dedicated to providing accurate information and maintaining the public’s trust in the donation and transplant system. While we are unable to discuss specific details regarding the current case, our organization is fully cooperating with investigating agencies and maintains an unwavering commitment to honoring and respecting donors and their families.
Catch Barry Massa and Julie Bergin on ‘This Thing Called Life’ podcast with Andi Johnson. They discuss the transformative merger between LifeCenter Organ Donor Network and Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates. Together, they unveil a new era of hope, innovation, and life-saving impact in organ donation. Tune in to hear how this collaboration will revolutionize our mission and bring life-changing solutions to more people than ever before.
Network for Hope’s Community Relations team works to provide accurate information to the public in regards to organ, tissue, and eye donation and transplantation.
Our Mission: With our partners and community, we honor, save, and heal lives by empowering people, enhancing capabilities, and expanding the impact of organ, tissue, and eye donation.
For branding help, questions about usage, or to obtain logos, please contact Kayla Lunt, Communication Specialist, at klunt@networkforhope.org or
(502) 553-5931.
Our brand is more than just a color palette or logo. It embodies our values and vision. Driven to end the wait for those needing life-saving organ transplants, we save and heal more lives by empowering people, enhancing capabilities, and expanding the impact of organ, tissue, and eye donation in our community. We are sharing our brand guidelines publicly to help our partners and community members understand the standards applicable to the use of our brand.
