Criticism surrounding organ procurement groups continues

Oregon Procurement Organizations (OPOS) are under federal investigation for overbilling the government. The Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General is involved, and a probe is underway. OPOS are responsible for organ procurement and face unclear billing rules from CMS. Congress has scrutinized OPOS for discarding organs and failing to procure them. Research shows low organ recovery at VA centers. A new CMS measure in 2026 aims to address these issues, potentially reducing OPOS numbers by 50%. The goal is to improve organ donation processes as 17 people die daily waiting for organs.

What is the main reason for the federal investigation into Oregon Procurement Organizations?

• Overbilling the government

• Illegal organ trafficking

• Mismanagement of funds

• Failure to meet donation targets

Which organization reimburses OPOs for some of their work?

• Department of Veterans Affairs

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• National Institutes of Health

• American Red Cross

What did the 2022 Senate Finance review find about organ donations?

• OPOs were not reimbursed properly

• OPOs exceeded their donation targets

• Thousands of organs were discarded

• All organs were successfully transplanted

What was the finding of the research team regarding organ donations at VA medical centers?

• VA centers had a surplus of organ donations

• Only 33 donors were recovered over nine years

• VA centers had the highest number of donations

• VA centers were not involved in organ donations

What is the potential impact of the new CMS measure in 2026 on OPOs?

• Reduction in organ donation rates

• Decertification of failing OPOs

• More funding for OPOs

• Increase in the number of OPOs