And lastly, it would drastically reduce the number of donors, they say. He and John Severtsgaard, also of New Beginnings, doubt the federal government's contention that organs can be safely shipped anywhere in the nation, without detriment to organ and patient. Precious organs may be wasted because of excessive transit times. Shalala notes that new technology allows some organs, especially livers, to be shipped around the country. The rule, which is now receiving a deluge of public commentary, could take effect in October.
Opponents hope to retain the regional system.
Top priority should be given to the patient with the best chance of survival, not necessarily the sickest, they say. But there is a dire shortage of organs, and many of the very sickest patients would not be able to survive without a second or even third transplant. This change means that fewer livers will be available, and over time, thousands fewer lives will be saved. He predicts that many liver transplant programs would have to shut down because the rule would divert livers from many smaller transplant programs to a few large centers. Sick people and their families would be forced to travel far from home at the time in which they are at their sickest.