AST Statement on Recent OPTN Board Resignations & A Call for Increased Transparency and Community Engagement
As you may know, eight members of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Board of Directors, representing patient and donor affairs, recently submitted their resignation from the OPTN Board. This significant departure raises serious concerns about the direction and inclusivity of ongoing reform efforts within the transplant system.
The AST is deeply concerned about this recent resignation of the OPTN Board members. These individuals provide vital perspectives that help ensure the U.S. organ transplant system remains centered on those it ultimately serves - patients, living donors, and donor families.
The departure of these representatives highlights growing concerns that the current modernization efforts, led by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), are not adequately incorporating the voices and expertise of the broader transplant community. Their resignation letter underscored a sentiment that their voices "go unheard" and their ability to contribute meaningfully has been "rendered negligible." This is not just a loss of candidates, transplant recipients, organ donors, and family members representation. Their resignation represents a loss of critical insight from those with lived experience in the donation and transplant journey. Further, from a governance perspective, their departure renders the OPTN Board of Directors misaligned with representation requirements of the OPTN Final Rule and OPTN Bylaws.
As the largest professional transplant society in North America, the AST has consistently supported modernization of the OPTN. However, this reform must occur through a collaborative, transparent process that values medical expertise and patient-centered outcomes. A public-private partnership has long been a strength of our national system, and it should remain the core component of all modernization efforts.
We strongly urge HRSA to recommit to meaningful engagement with patients, providers, donor families, and the full spectrum of transplant stakeholders within the transplant community. Modernization should not come at the cost of the very principles - collaboration, transparency, and patient focus - that have made our transplant system the global standard.
The AST remains committed to advocating for reforms that truly strengthen our system and ensure the voices of our patients and transplant professionals remain central to its future.
To stay informed on our latest efforts and updates related to OPTN reform, visit our OPTN Modernization page.
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