OPO Encyclopedia

Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Announcement of Applications From 12 Hospitals Requesting Waivers for Organ Procurement Service Area

CMS has received waiver applications from 12 hospitals seeking exemption from the statutory requirement to contract with their designated OPO, and is soliciting public comments before making waiver determinations. This directly threatens OPO service area exclusivity and donor hospital relationships, as approved waivers could allow these hospitals to work with non-designated OPOs or alternative procurement arrangements. OPOs whose DSAs include any of the 12 applicant hospitals should review the Federal Register notice immediately and consider submitting formal comments to protect their designated service area agreements.