Probe Finds 28 Patients Potentially Alive During Organ Transplant Attempts

Life-Threatening Flaws Exposed in Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia OPO Practices; HHS Threatens Shutdown

A Health and Human Services (HHS) investigation, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has revealed “horrifying” practices in the organ transplant system, with 28 patients potentially alive when organ procurement began.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) found systemic negligence in a Kentucky, southwest Ohio, and West Virginia organ procurement organization (OPO), including poor neurologic assessments and questionable consent practices, particularly in rural hospitals.

HRSA’s probe of 351 cases showed 103 with concerning features, like misclassified deaths in overdose cases.

Kennedy threatens to decertify the OPO if it fails to enact reforms, including stricter donor eligibility protocols.

HRSA also mandates nationwide safety upgrades for the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN).

These findings expose critical gaps in oversight, demanding the need for transparency and accountability to protect vulnerable patients and restore public trust.