BY TIM BONFIELD
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Transplant survivors, surgeons and top brass from the agency that manages the nation's organ transplant system lined up Monday to urge the federal government not to change the rules governing organ transplants.
"These new regulations will not save more lives. Instead, more patients will die under the HHS system," said Dr. Larry Hunsicker, president of the United Network for Organ Sharing. Dr. Hunsicker spoke at the Vernon Manor Hotel before a crowd of about 150 people gathered to discuss an ongoing controversy about organ transplantation.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new regulation that would give highest priority to the sickest patients, regardless of where they live. Currently, the sickest patients in each of 11 regions get first preference for organs donated in their region. Supporters say the change would correct an unfair system that allows for wide variations in waiting times for organ transplants.
Opponents say more patients would end up waiting until they were at death's door to get an organ, which would mean fewer would survive the transplant. More organs would be routed to the biggest transplant centers, forcing many smaller centers to close.
The liver programs at University Hospital and Children's Hospital Medical Center could be among the casualties. Rather than performing 55 transplants a year, they may only do five to 10, said Dr. Douglas Hanto, director of adult liver transplants for the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati.
Among the transplant recipients speaking Monday was Susie Murphy, a nurse who lives in Fort Thomas, Ky., who said living near a transplant center was crucial to her survival.
"I can't imagine having to endure the process far from home and my loved ones," Ms. Murphy said.
The new HHS rules would take effect in July for liver transplants and in a year for other organs. But a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Cincinnati, said he plans to send a letter to HHS urging a delay in implementing the new rules.
Also next week, Ohio state lawmakers are expected to consider a resolution calling for Congress to block the new regulations.
