National Organ Transplant Act

(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 98-1127)

National Organ Transplant Act - Title I: Task Force on Organ Procurement and Transplantation - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within 90 days a Task Force on Organ Transplantation.

Directs the Task Force to: (1) examine and advise the Secretary regarding medical, legal, ethical, economic, and social issues presented by human organ procurement and transplantation; and (2) assess immunosuppressive medications used to prevent organ rejections, including considerations of safety, cost, insurance coverage, grants, Federal program coverage, and other means of assuring public access to such medications.

Authorizes the Task Force to make interim reports to the Secretary and the appropriate congressional committees. Requires: (1) an immunosuppressive medication report within seven months; and (2) a final report within 12 months. Terminates the Task Force three months after it submits such final report.

Title II: Organ Procurement Activities - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants for the planning of qualifed organ procurement organizations.

Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the establishment, initial operation, and expansion of qualified organ procurement organizations. Directs the Secretary in making such grants to: (1) take into consideration any Task Force recommendations; and (2) give special consideration to applications from organ procurement organizations which cover geographic areas not adequately served by organ procurement organizations. Sets forth eligibility criteria, including the requirement of an agreement from the Secretary for kidney procurement reimbursement under title XIII of the Social Security Act. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to provide a central registry linking donors and potential recipients; (2) establish a scientific registry of organ recipients; (3) designate and maintain an identifiable unit in the Public Health service to coordinate Federal organ transplant programs and policies; and (4) publish an annual report on the scientific and clinical status of organ transplantation.

Title III: Prohibition of Organ Purchase - Prohibits the purchase or sale of human organs if such transfer affects interstate commerce. Establishes criminal penalties for such violations.

Title IV: Miscellaneous - Directs the Secretary to: (1) convene a conference to examine the feasibility of establishing a registry of voluntary bone marrow donors, and to determine whether such registry would be effective in matching donors and recipients; (2) establish such a registry for study and demonstration purposes if the conference reaches a positive feasiblility conclusion; and (3) report to the appropriate congressional committees within two years.

Requires the Secretary to assure that potential donors have given informed consent prior to being listed in the registry, that their names are kept confidential, and that registry access is restricted.