Industry officials say they welcome the scrutiny but will reserve judgment until the federal investigation is finished, probably this winter. Although she said the Food and Drug Administration believes the tissue supply is safe, the agency doesn't even know how many tissue banks are operating nationwide. Long- overdue registration of tissue banks has already been put on a fast track. In addition, the FDA is developing regulations on the handling and processing of tissue, an area previously left to the industry to police. But the Register found instances where burn doctors stretched cadaver skin or were unable to find enough to treat patients.
Patient groups say they deserve more details.
Vicki Crosier, the volunteer chairwoman of the National Donor Family Council, the country's largest donor group, has submitted recommendations to Shalala. Crosier says the key is to put everything in writing. Fees and profits. But Shalala said enforcement of laws against profiting from the sale of body parts are outside the authority of her agency. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said these limitations point to the need for congressional intervention.