Permanent OPTN Fee Authority Act

# Permanent OPTN Fee Authority Act Summary This bill would give permanent authority to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)—the nonprofit organization that manages organ donation and transplant allocation in the U.S.—to collect fees from hospitals and transplant centers. Currently, this fee-collecting power expires and must be renewed periodically through Congress. The bill would make this authority permanent, meaning the OPTN could continue funding its operations without needing Congress to repeatedly reauthorize the fees. The bill primarily affects hospitals, transplant centers, and organ procurement organizations that pay OPTN fees, though indirectly impacts patients waiting for organ transplants.

The key provision is removing the expiration date on the OPTN's fee authority, allowing the organization to maintain stable, continuous funding for its administrative and operational costs. This would streamline the process and reduce uncertainty around the organization's budget. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not been passed. It was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the 119th Congress.