Bill Overview
Title: Respecting the Rights of Organ Donor Recipients Act of 2022
Description: This bill prohibits limiting access to organ transplants based on an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status. Specifically, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network may not (1) request an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status when considering whether to place the individual on an organ transplant waitlist, or (2) require the vaccination in order for an individual to receive an organ transplant. This network is a public-private partnership that links organizations (e.g., transplantation centers and laboratories) in the organ donation and transplantation system.
Sponsors: Rep. DesJarlais, Scott [R-TN-4]
Target Audience
Population: People worldwide on organ transplant waitlists or eligible for organ transplants
Estimated Size: 100000
- This bill directly affects individuals who are candidates for organ transplants, irrespective of their COVID-19 vaccination status.
- The policy impacts organ transplant centers and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), which operate globally.
- Organ transplants occur worldwide, affecting thousands of individuals on transplant waitlists at any given time.
- The global population of organ transplant recipients is substantial, with new cases constantly adding to the pool.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy primarily includes individuals who are on organ transplant waitlists and their families, since their access to transplants may be affected by this policy.
- Not everyone on the transplant list will be impacted, as the policy may only affect those who are not vaccinated and were otherwise ineligible.
- The budget constraints suggest the policy is designed to support a relatively small part of the healthcare budget for changes in organ transplant regulations.
- The given budget may cover additional administrative, compliance, and legal costs related to changing existing organ transplantation criteria and processes.
Simulated Interviews
Unemployed (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I was worried about not getting a transplant because of my vaccination status.
- This law is a relief since it treats people equally regardless of their medical choices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Nurse (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I had worries about my unvaccinated friend on the waitlist being treated differently.
- Happy that all patients will receive care based on medical need, not vaccination status.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Teacher (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Some of my friends who needed a transplant were worried about the vaccine requirement.
- It's good to know that everyone on the list has a fair chance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software Developer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act gives me confidence that I won't be sidelined same due to health choices.
- I feared I'd be stuck waiting longer without this law.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am indifferent since it doesn't directly affect me, but I see it could help others.
- Policy reassures fairness for all waitlisted patients.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Business Owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have mixed feelings; while more equitable access is good, I believe vaccination has its own importance.
- Balance between equity and public health needs careful consideration.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Advocate (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 57 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for my peace of mind regarding my spouse's chance for a transplant.
- I feel more hopeful about my spouse's prospects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Accountant (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My personal health decisions won't impact my chance for a transplant, but I see why it's crucial.
- Empathy for those whose choices differ, glad policy supports all.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Research Scientist (Boston, MA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While not directly affected, I think it's critical healthcare is provided equitably.
- Health must consider broader public health dynamics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Chef (Seattle, WA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I used to worry about my vaccine status affecting further treatment.
- Relieved to know future procedures won’t bring up my vaccination status.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy might trigger ethical and medical debates regarding the inclusion factors for organ transplant eligibility.
- Organ transplant centers might need to adjust their eligibility criteria and communications protocols based on these changes.
- The policy does not provide direct financial impacts but adjusts procedural norms which could indirectly affect how centers carry out transplants.