The Trump administration on Thursday unveiled what officials described as a “historic” reform effort aimed at fixing the nation’s troubled organ procurement system, as reported[1] by Fox News.
The announcement included the unprecedented decertification of a Miami-based organization accused of endangering patients and failing to meet standards.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. detailed the decision during a press conference, calling it an important step to restore public trust in organ donation.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks at a campaign rally at Brazos Hall Monday May 13, 2024.
“Every American should feel safe becoming an organ donor and giving the gift of life,” Kennedy said.
“Yet decades of ignored patient safety concerns have driven more and more Americans off the donor list. Today, under President Trump’s leadership, we are taking bold action and historic action to restore trust in the organ procurement process.”
The action centers on the Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency in Miami, Florida. Kennedy said the organization had a “long record of deficiencies directly tied to patient harm.”
He added that staffing shortfalls alone may have resulted in as many as eight missed organ recoveries per week, potentially costing one life each day.
Kennedy also spoke about his nephew, Michael, who suffered from cerebral palsy and died at age 20. Michael’s donated organs went on to save multiple lives.
The secretary urged Americans to consider registering as donors, calling it an “extraordinary gift” that unites people regardless of background.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, underscored the importance of the reforms. “This is the first time ever in history there’s been a mid-cycle de-certification of an organ procurement organization,” he said.
Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks Tuesday, April 15, 2025, about the Make America Healthy Again initiative during a press event inside the Authors Room at the Indiana State Library.
Oz also highlighted the scale of the challenge, noting that 100,000 people are currently waiting for transplants in the United States.
“While I’m speaking, another person will be added to that list. During this press conference, someone waiting for an organ is going to die,” Oz said. He added that 28,000 donated organs go unmatched and are discarded each year, a loss he described as unacceptable.
Dr. Marty Makary, commissioner of food and drugs at the Food and Drug Administration, called the waste of donated organs “a tragedy.”
Thomas J. Engels, administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, said new measures are being implemented, including a direct reporting channel for misconduct and safety concerns.
The reforms also include $25 million in new investments to support living donors by covering nonmedical costs such as lost wages, travel, and childcare. Officials said future innovations like xenotransplantation trials and 3D printing of organs are also part of long-term goals.
The Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency issued a statement acknowledging the decision and pledging cooperation with HHS. “We will cooperate fully with HHS to ensure a smooth transition and will not appeal.
We hope that other OPOs follow suit in putting patients first,” the agency said.
Oz emphasized that the reforms send a clear warning to all procurement organizations nationwide. “There’s a new sheriff in town, and we’re coming for them if they don’t take care of the American people.”
