Redesign Map of OPTN Regions

At a glance

Current policy

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Regions were created in 1986 to help manage the national organ transplant network. The OPTN Regional Review project aims to optimize the effectiveness of OPTN regions. A third party vendor performed an independent review and analysis of OPTN regional structures and processes. Their preliminary findings and options to consider were provided for public comment during the summer 2021 public comment period. After reviewing public comment feedback and the vendor recommendations, the Executive Committee proposes keeping a regional structure but redesigning the boundaries of each region to improve balance and representation.

Supporting media

Presentation

View presentation

Proposed concept

The Committee recommends new regional boundaries that result in regional populations that are more balanced than the current OPTN regions.

• Any new boundaries should improve representation based on population
• Six maps are provided as examples for feedback and consideration
• Analysis of multiple metrics is included to compare each option
• Your feedback will inform further recommendations for Board consideration

Anticipated impact

• What it's expected to do
  • Improve the effectiveness of OPTN regions
  • Improve representation on the Board of Directors and OPTN Committees
  • Use relevant metrics to establish regional boundaries
  • Incorporate community feedback into an updated regional map
• What it won't do
  • The regional redesign will not change governance (Board and Committees), structural (regional meetings), or data reporting functions of the regions
  • The regional redesign will not change organ allocation
  • This concept paper is intended to provide an update and collect feedback, it will not result in a change to the regions without additional public comment

Terms to know

• Regions: For administrative purposes, OPTN membership is divided into 11 geographic regions. Members belong to the Region in which they are located.

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