UNOS follows a collaborative policy development process. We handle the development, monitoring, enforcement and modification of the policies that govern the allocation, procurement and transportation of deceased organs.
This process encourages participation by the public and all areas of the transplant community, including the government. It also promotes equity among patients waiting for organs and allows us to modify policy to reflect current science and medical practice.
To become binding under the authority of federal regulation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must review and approve all policies and bylaws.
The Policy Development Process
- A committee develops policy proposals using data analysis provided by UNOS and/or SRTR research staff and other supporting information.
- The committee prepares and distributes an initial public comment document including the rationale surrounding the proposed policies.
- The committee receives public comments on the proposed policies and makes any appropriate changes to the proposal.
- The committee adds its responses to the public comments and final recommendation to the briefing paper and submits it to the Board of Directors.
- The Board votes on the proposed policy.
Policy Development Tools
Final rule >
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) implemented a Final Rule in 2000 to establish a regulatory framework for the structure and operations of the OPTN.
Program goals >
HHS developed a set of challenging program performance goals for the organ transplantation network in 2004 to help increase results and transparency in the OPTN.