Reinstatement of Updates to Candidate Data During the COVID-19 Emergency

At a glance

Current policy

The most recent spike in COVID-19 infections due to the Omicron variant has put stress on the transplant network. At present, a number of OPTN policies require candidate data to be updated within a specific timeframe in order to maintain a candidate’s status. These timeframes may not be feasible or advisable for transplant programs within the Omicron variant spike due to transplant candidate and transplant staff safety precautions. This proposal reinstates a prior policy allowing programs to use the most recent lab values in instances when obtaining new labs would create an undue risk.

Proposed changes

• Modify current clinical data submission requirements to allow for lab data to be reentered.

Anticipated impact

• What it's expected to do
  • Allow for transplant programs to ensure the safety of transplant candidates and staff
  • Ease the burden on transplant hospitals who may be experiencing higher than normal COVID-19 case volume and staffing shortages
  • Preserve candidate waitlist status in instances where there is a safety concern due to COVID-19
  • Ensure candidates are not disadvantaged due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• What it won't do
  • Reinstate all COVID-19 emergency policies
  • Impact candidates being added to the waitlist for the first time
  • Allow programs to carry over lab values when there is not a concern of COVID-19 impacting routine operations

Terms to know

• Status: An indication of the degree of medical urgency for patients awaiting heart or liver transplants. Examples: status 1A, status 1B, or status 2.

Click here to search the OPTN glossary