Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Conditions of Coverage for Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs)

This final rule with comment period sets forth changes to the conditions of coverage for organ procurement organizations (OPOs). It provides for exceptions to the OPO qualification and performance standards under certain circumstances, revises the methodology for counting organs, and extends the period for interim OPO designations and notification of termination. It also adds new regulations relating to hospitals that change OPO designations when there is a change in the OPO service area. This final rule with comment period modifies conditions of coverage previously set forth in an interim final rule. These changes are being made in response to public comments received on that interim rule. New regulations contained in this final rule implement provisions of the Social Security Act Amendments of 1994.