Lori Trahan Questions UNOS CEO on Taxpayer-Funded Organ Donor System Access

UNOS Technology and OPTN Access

• 💡 UNOS technology is central to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), managing deceased donor data and organ offers.
• 🎯 The OPTN system is taxpayer-funded, and its functionality relies on technology systems built and maintained by UNOS.

Government Access to OPTN Systems

• 🔑 Federal technologists attempted to inspect the OPTN code and data but reportedly faced resistance from UNOS.
• ⚠️ UNOS's previous CEO suggested government officials could review source code only under strict supervision at UNOS facilities, which is described as "chaperoning" rather than open collaboration.
• 🗣️ Rep. Trahan questions whether UNOS has obstructed or delayed government access to its technology.

Ownership and Cost of OPTN Technology

• 💰 Public reporting indicates UNOS told the government it would cost nearly $55 million to purchase its technology systems.
• ⚖️ Rep. Trahan argues that if taxpayers fund a piece of technology, the federal government should own it and be able to freely inspect, develop, and share the code.
• 🧐 The UNOS CEO states that under their current contract, UNOS owns the computer system, but also asserts that HERSA has been welcomed to inspect the system and that conversations happen twice a week.

Concerns Over UNOS's Role

• 🧐 Rep. Trahan expresses concern that UNOS is holding the organ transplantation system, particularly its technology, "hostage."
• 🚀 There is a perceived resistance from UNOS to federal efforts to modernize the technology and operationalize its data.