OPTN MODERNIZATION DISCUSSION
At one of its monthly meetings in February, the Public Policy Committee hosted Bernadette Jay from UNOS, the Community Affairs and Ambassador Liaison.
Bernadette discussed the OPTN modernization activities from UNOS’s viewpoint. She covered several points about the RFPs that have been released from HRSA for contracts to manage the OPTN. She also discussed UNOS’s efforts to help HRSA understands how UNOS functions, especially how UNOS fulfills its OPTN contractual obligations.
THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PART D ACCESS FOR THE 6 PROTECTED CLASSES
During its regular monthly meeting, Jakara Eason, from the Partnership, reviewed its current activities. Jakara stated that there are no immediate challenges to the status of the 6 protected classes; however, the partnership is being pro-active to work with several congressional champions. This effort is to draft a letter to forward to HRSA that restates the Coalition’s position not to alter the 6 protected classes in any way.
TRIO continues to be an active member of the Part D Coalition and the Public Policy Committee will continue to track Part D events.
RESTORING UNFETTERED ACCESS FOR NON-INVASIVE MONITORING OF SOLID ORGAN REJECTION
AAKP, the American Association for Kidney Patients, has recently weighed in with its support to petition CMS to restore non-invasive rejection surveillance testing. AAKP released a very strong letter, pointing out to CMS, HRSA, and to MolDx that non-invasive testing for kidney patients needs to be restored. AAKP will work with the Honor The Gift coalition to continue this fight.