The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), is the unified transplant network established by the United States Congress under the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) of 1984 to be operated by a private, non-profit organization under federal contract.

What is UNOS' relationship to the OPTN?

UNOS was awarded the very first OPTN contract on September 30, 1986, and has continued to administer the OPTN under contract with the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for more than 20 years and four successive contract renewals.

What is the purpose of the OPTN?

The OPTN is a unique public-private partnership that links all of the professionals involved in the donation and transplantation system. The primary goals of the OPTN are to:

• increase and ensure the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of organ sharing in the national system of organ allocation
• increase the supply of donated organs available for transplantation

As part of the OPTN contract, UNOS has:

• established an organ sharing system that maximizes the efficient use of deceased organs through fair and timely allocation
• established a system for the collection, storage, analysis and publication of data pertaining to the patient waiting list, organ matching, and transplants
• provided information, consultation and guidance to persons and organizations concerned with human organ transplantation in order to increase the number of organs available for transplantation

How is the OPTN administered?

UNOS has developed a collaborative policy development, monitoring and enforcement process for the OPTN. We also have systems in place for making member inquiries, peer review and data production for reviewing membership applications and monitoring member compliance with OPTN policies.

The OPTN acts through its Board of Directors. The current UNOS Board presently serves also as the OPTN Board of Directors. Board members, chosen through an open, comprehensive nomination process, bring a wealth of commitment and technical knowledge to guide the OPTN in establishing and maintaining policies and procedures for the field of transplantation.