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ICYMI: Updates on Organ Transplantation Affinity Group (OTAG) Efforts to Improve the U.S. Organ Transplant System

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Improving the U.S. organ transplant system remains a top priority for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In 2021, the HHS Secretary established the Organ Transplantation Affinity Group (OTAG), a federal collaborative led by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The goal of OTAG is to strengthen accountability, equity, and performance in the U.S. organ transplant system. OTAG’s initiatives include improving federal policy development, enhancing system performance, establishing consistent waitlist practices, promoting equitable access to transplants, harmonizing data, and ensuring transparent complaint processing.

We are excited to announce the release of the new *Organ Transplantation Affinity Group (OTAG): How We're Making the Organ Transplant System Safe and Equitable* blog. This blog provides updates on ongoing projects, key milestones, and a roadmap for future improvements in the national transplant system. Below are some of the highlights from the blog:

Key OTAG Updates and Initiatives: 


* *OPTN Modernization Initiative:* Launched in March 2023 by HRSA, the *Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Modernization Initiative* [ https://click-1185304.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=66175885&msgid=584842&act=D645&c=1185304&pid=2121929&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hrsa.gov%2Foptn-modernization&cf=6316&v=7fec3033ceb646ccc1ad239bf2ac9b66014c001cd22c115f90bb8d280f7da838 ] aims to improve organ transplantation by focusing on technology, data transparency, governance, operations, and quality. Key actions have included issuing contracts to improve OPTN functions, developing a modernized IT system, and establishing an independent OPTN Board of Directors. The new board will be fully seated in 2025.
* *Consistent and Transparent Waitlist Practices:* OTAG continues efforts to promote equitable access to transplantation by expanding OPTN’s data collection to improve transparency and accountability in waitlist and organ procurement practices. These efforts will help improve access to transplants, monitor organ procurement organizations (OPOs), and assess system performance.
* *Proposed CMS Innovation Center Model:* CMS has proposed the *IOTA Model* [ https://click-1185304.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=66175885&msgid=584842&act=D645&c=1185304&pid=2121929&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cms.gov%2Fpriorities%2Finnovation%2Finnovation-models%2Fiota&cf=6316&v=e3a173fd0c52a518d8a3f0273343ba5f7b185293a0859db13611631904cb7353 ], a six-year pilot program aimed at increasing kidney transplant access for patients and reducing Medicare expenditures. The model will encourage kidney transplant hospitals to use more available kidneys and facilitate more transplants from living donors. The program is expected to begin in 2025.
* *Improving Complaint Handling:* OTAG has streamlined the process for reporting complaints related to OPOs and transplant centers, ensuring better coordination between CMS, HRSA, and OPTN. This improvement makes it easier for patients and other stakeholders to report concerns and ensures that complaints are investigated efficiently.
* *Pancreata for Islet Cell Research:* CMS has updated guidelines on the use of pancreata for islet cell research, responding to stakeholder concerns. The new guidance clarifies reporting and data collection on pancreata procured for research, ensuring more accurate tracking and transparency.
* *Strengthening Patient Safety and Quality:* OTAG continues to focus on improving the overall quality and safety of the transplant system by enhancing processes and promoting transparency in organ procurement and transplantation practices.

To view the full OTAG blog to learn more about these initiatives and how they will shape the future of organ transplantation, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/blog/2024/11/12/how-were-making-organ-transplant-system-safe-equitable.html [ https://click-1185304.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=66175885&msgid=584842&act=D645&c=1185304&pid=2121929&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hhs.gov%2Fblog%2F2024%2F11%2F12%2Fhow-were-making-organ-transplant-system-safe-equitable.html&cf=6316&v=16088151fa8ca12630f8b7c5f751e9792bb2b42640ec7dfbdbcc2407b8f7bba5 ] 

To stay apprised of OTAG’s efforts as we continue to navigate through the challenges and opportunities surrounding organ transplantation, visit our the newly launched Organ Transplantation Affinity Group (OTAG) [ https://click-1185304.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=66175885&msgid=584842&act=D645&c=1185304&pid=2121929&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hhs.gov%2Fabout%2Fagencies%2Fadvisory-committees%2Forgan-transplantation-affinity-group%2Findex.html&cf=6316&v=6b56401002d67956a6c602a40399d1d96a37dc90bddcdfae9c024f860c3f652a ] webpage. The webpage includes information about the OTAG’s plan of action, communication resources, including regulatory actions and guidance and how to stay informed.








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