Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network

This document sets forth the final rule governing the operation of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), which performs a variety of functions related to organ transplantation under contract with HHS. The document also offers a 60 day period for additional public comment. The rule will become effective 30 days following the close of the comment period. If the Department believes that additional time is required to review the comments, we will consider delaying the effective date. In combination with a new National Organ and Tissue Donation Initiative, this rule is intended to improve the effectiveness and equity of the Nation's transplantation system and to further the purposes of the National Organ Transplant Act of 1984, as amended. These purposes include: encouraging organ donation; developing an organ allocation system that functions as much as technologically feasible on a nationwide basis; providing the bases for effective Federal oversight of the OPTN (as well as for implementing related provisions in the Social Security Act); and, providing better information about transplantation to patients, families and health care providers.