Permanent OPTN Fee Authority Act

# Permanent OPTN Fee Authority Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would give permanent authority to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)—a private nonprofit that manages the U.S. organ transplant system—to collect and set fees from hospitals, transplant programs, and other organizations involved in organ donation and transplantation. Currently, OPTN operates under a contract with the Department of Health and Human Services that requires periodic renewal, meaning its fee-setting authority must be reapproved regularly by Congress or the government. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily affect hospitals, organ procurement organizations, and transplant centers that participate in the national organ donation system.

By making OPTN's fee authority permanent rather than temporary, the bill aims to provide more stability and predictability for these organizations' budgeting. The fees collected support OPTN's operations, including maintaining the national transplant waiting list and coordinating organ allocation across the country. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Jim Costa (D-CA) in the 119th Congress.