Controversial governmental regulations geared toward making organs available among broader geographic lines are apparently ready to go into effect in less than two months.
Implementation of the rules has been delayed several times since they were first published in the Federal Register a year and a half ago. However, the New York Times reported on November 12 that, under a deal struck on the evening of November 10 between the Department of Human Services (HHS) and members of Congress, the regulations are now expected to become effective in late December or January.
While the new rules will require the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to make organs available first to the sickest patients across broader geographical regions than they now are, "the mechanics of the new system have yet to be worked out," the New York Times said. Unless UNOS proposes a plan by February that meets with the approval of HHS Secretary Donna Shalala, she can make her own plan, the newspaper reported.
Under the new deal, a 21-day comment period will be held, which will be followed by a 21-day period of review of the comments by Shalala before the regulations become effective. The new delay contrasts with plans issued a few weeks ago by the Clinton administration. In October, HHS announced that it had amended its originally proposed rules and expected the new, amended rules to become effective in late November without a comment period. However, the new deal was made while members of Congress were considering a measure that could have delayed the new rules for four more months, according to the New York Times.
UNOS plans to address these latest developments at a meeting of its board of directors on November 18 and 19.
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