An HHS-led investigation found a Kentucky organ procurement organization ignored growing consciousness in dozens of potential transplant donors, The New York Times reported June 6.
The case centered on donation after circulatory death, a practice involving patients with some brain function who are on life support and are not expected to recover. If the patient’s family members agree to donation, an organ procurement organization can prepare for a transplant if the patient dies within a period of time. If that occurs, they wait five minutes before removing organs.
The investigation, led by HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration, probed about 350 cases in which a Kentucky nonprofit organization halted plans to remove organs. Of those, 73 patients showed improving or high levels of consciousness, the report said.
No surgeries happened, but several patients who underwent preparation for a procedure showed signs of pain or distress, according to the Times.
The nonprofit organization, previously known as Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates before rebranding after a merger and becoming Network for Hope, pushed back on the report.
Network for Hope said it “is disappointed in the New York Times story that declines to include factual clarifications and critical context about organ and tissue donation.”
The nonprofit added it obtained a notice of full compliance after the CMS audit, adheres to federal regulations on donation after circulatory death, and is considering updating its practices in accordance with the HRSA’s guidance.
“Network for Hope remains committed to transparency and to the mission of saving lives,” the organization said. “That commitment has not changed. The only people hurt by inaccuracies in journalism are those who are awaiting a second chance for life.”
The HRSA investigation found evidence of Network for Hope employees pressuring families to authorize donation and attempting to influence hospital staff to remove life support amid growing awareness in patients, according to the Times. Network for Hope has also denied these findings.
