OPTN/UNOS Region 1 Meeting today, April 29th, 2013

[Clark]

As I have done for nearly 10 years now, I am taking the day to be a public witness to the deliberations of the New England members of the OPTN as they meet to discuss public policy, and vote. Most notably for us is the Living Donor Committee's proposal to clarify the role, qualifications, and institutional characteristics of Independent Donor Advocates.

I strongly encourage you all to make the effort to attend your regional meetings, the committee and board meetings that take place conveniently close to you. The discussion is always thoughtful, and often very lively. Moreover, there is quite often a need and an opportunity for a first person view from a living donor. Be that voice!

[Clark]

Just heard that the draft proposal for revising the deceased kidney donor allocation system has finally survived public comment with only minor details to be addressed. 10 years! It's to be on the board's agenda in June. That'll be quite a meeting, not least because it'll bring the IT delay concerns to a head.

[Clark]

Recently rewritten based on best practice interviews with highly compliant transplant centers as well as noncompliant: http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/ContentDocuments/Guidance_Post_Donation_Donor_Follow-Up.pdf