Information and Process Regarding the Upcoming Special Election

Published on: Thursday, January 2, 2025

Per the HRSA OPTN Board of Directors Designation Agreement, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may hold a special election for the OPTN Board of Directors when the Secretary determines that doing so is in the best interest of OPTN, and the organization designated to serve as the OPTN Board of Directors shall abide by the terms and results of such a special election and ensure a smooth and efficient transition to the new Board.

The special election will occur in Spring 2025 and presents an opportunity for OPTN members to select a new OPTN Board of Directors that will advance the objectives of OPTN Modernization Initiative and Securing the US OPTN Act. HRSA is responsible for oversight and operational support.

HRSA has requested feedback on both nominations and the criteria for Transitional Nominating Committee (TNC) members and future OPTN board members from the public, stakeholder organizations, and the OPTN network and this feedback will continue to inform our planning and implementation work.

Purpose:

For 40 years, the OPTN Board of Directors has been one-and-the-same as the corporate Board of Directors for the OPTN contractor, raising issues about potential conflicts of interest. Now, HRSA has separated the OPTN Board of Directors from the OPTN contractor so it may best serve the interests of patients and their families. In alignment with the OPTN Modernization Initiative, HRSA will hold a special election for a new OPTN Board of Directors.

Timing:

The special election will take place in the spring of 2025. HRSA will provide appropriate notice to facilitate OPTN members participation.

Election details:

To hold a special election for a new OPTN Board of Directors to advance the objectives of the OPTN Modernization Initiative and Securing the U.S. OPTN Act, HRSA will form a Transitional Nominating Committee (TNC) comprised of individuals such as transplant surgeons and physicians, organ procurement organizations, transplant hospitals, and individuals who are transplant candidates, recipients, donors, and family members as well as other individuals that bring additional expertise to support robust governance for the OPTN. The TNC, with input from HRSA, will finalize dates for the special election, publicly solicit candidates and develop a slate of candidates for a vote by OPTN members later in the spring. The criteria for both TNC members and special election candidates were publicly shared and circulated for comment and feedback. The TNC will be temporary and transitional, specific to the circumstances of the special election held by the Secretary of HHS. OPTN members will vote on the Board of Directors from that slate, adhering to the current Board configuration percentages. This process largely mirrors the current OPTN election process while taking steps to facilitate establishment of a new, independent Board of Directors.

The special election brings new providers, patients, and representatives of transplant hospitals and Organ Procurement Organizations to the Board just as in previous elections. There will be a period where the current Board and new Board will overlap for continuity of operations and knowledge transfer.

Questions?

Email OPTNBoardSupport@air.org.