Press Releases
Trahan, Wyden Seek Clarification on Federal Access to UNOS Organ Transplant Technology
Washington,
October 23, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, and Senate Committee on Finance Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) requesting clarification regarding statements made by the organization’s CEO at the House Energy & Commerce Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee hearing titled “Ensuring Patient Safety: Oversight of the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.” The letter seeks detailed responses to questions about federal access to the technology systems that support the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). During the July hearing, UNOS leadership stated that the organization had never obstructed federal officials’ access to its systems. However, testimony from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) officials during the same hearing and public reporting suggest otherwise, including a 2022 report that UNOS demanded a $55 million fee for government access to its taxpayer-funded technology. “Technology is the backbone of the organ transplant system. When federal officials cannot fully access the systems they fund, it puts patient safety at risk,” the lawmakers wrote. “Federal agencies should have the ability to oversee and ensure the integrity of the systems they pay for. We are seeking clarity from UNOS so Congress can fully understand whether the OPTN’s technology is being appropriately managed in the public interest.” The letter requests UNOS provide detailed documentation and answers to questions by November 1, 2025, including:
A copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE. ### |