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HRSA tells OPTN executive committee modernization will be phased; stresses continuity and improved transparency
Summary
HRSA official Brianna Dolby told the OPTN Executive Committee the agency is overseeing a phased modernization designed to preserve core matching functions, increase data transparency and expand member support while a multivendor transition proceeds.
Brianna Dolby of the Health Resources and Services Administration told the OPTN Executive Committee that HRSA is overseeing a phased modernization of the OPTN and has taken short-term operational stewardship to preserve core matching and patient-safety functions while new contractors and task orders are established.
Dolby said the transition is an opportunity to make the OPTN more transparent and data-driven for providers and patients, and she repeatedly emphasized continuity of operations: "to our knowledge, there was no interruption for creating a record in DonorNet," and patient-safety reports continue to be received, triaged and handled, including potential disease-transmission events. She also said HRSA mirrored incumbent contractor processes to maintain continuity and launched an OPTN "4‑1‑1" intake helpline (launched Dec. 29) while migrating the public website (reported more than 50% complete).
Committee members asked about resuming committee work and public-comment visibility. Dolby warned that off‑record or "off books" meetings create legal risk and that HRSA has reissued committee invites and can restore calendar links and meeting support as needed. On public comments, Dolby said there is no censorship: comments that pose safety threats are reviewed, and there can be a short processing lag as submissions move from an inbox to the web vendor, but all submitted comments will be posted and made available to committees.
Board officers urged better proactive communications to avoid panic among patients and donor families; members suggested a prominent patient-facing front page and clearer messaging. Dolby said HRSA and staff are working with professional societies and the OPTN alliance to amplify correct information and to address misinformation when it appears. The committee concluded with an agreement to continue these operational and communications discussions as staff implement the modernization work.
