Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 1520
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1520Civil actions and liabilityOrgan and tissue donation and transplantation
Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act
INTRO FEB 24· LAST ACTION JUN 24
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
28BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Currently, people with disabilities may face significant and unfair barriers to receiving organ transplants, with some centers potentially denying access based on generalized assumptions rather than individualized medical evaluations. This bill aims to change that by establishing a clear federal protection against such discrimination.
If this bill becomes law, it would help ensure that decisions about who receives a life-saving organ are based purely on medical suitability and not on a person's disability. This could lead to more equitable access to healthcare for a vulnerable population, potentially saving lives and improving the quality of life for many Americans with disabilities. If it doesn't become law, the potential for disability-based discrimination in organ transplantation would continue, leaving individuals with disabilities at risk of being unfairly denied critical medical care.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Prohibits covered entities from denying organ transplants or related services solely based on an individual's mental or physical disability.
This directly addresses potential discrimination, ensuring individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to receive life-saving care.
PROVISION 02
Requires healthcare providers to consider a patient's support network and make reasonable modifications to policies or practices when evaluating them for a transplant.
This acknowledges the crucial role of family and support systems, potentially expanding access for individuals who might otherwise be deemed ineligible without considering their full support structure.
PROVISION 03
Allows a covered entity to consider a disability only if a physician determines, through an individualized evaluation, that it is medically significant to the receipt of the organ transplant.
This provides a specific, narrow exception, ensuring that denials are based on direct medical necessity rather than general disability status.
PROVISION 04
Defines 'supported decision-making' to include involving chosen support persons in health care communications and decisions.
This empowers individuals with disabilities to participate more fully in their own medical care decisions with trusted assistance.
Currently, people with disabilities may face significant and unfair barriers to receiving organ transplants, with some centers potentially denying access based on generalized assumptions rather than individualized medical evaluations. This bill aims to change that by establishing a clear federal protection against such discrimination.
If this bill becomes law, it would help ensure that decisions about who receives a life-saving organ are based purely on medical suitability and not on a person's disability. This could lead to more equitable access to healthcare for a vulnerable population, potentially saving lives and improving the quality of life for many Americans with disabilities. If it doesn't become law, the potential for disability-based discrimination in organ transplantation would continue, leaving individuals with disabilities at risk of being unfairly denied critical medical care.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Prohibits covered entities from denying organ transplants or related services solely based on an individual's mental or physical disability.
This directly addresses potential discrimination, ensuring individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to receive life-saving care.
high
Requires healthcare providers to consider a patient's support network and make reasonable modifications to policies or practices when evaluating them for a transplant.
This acknowledges the crucial role of family and support systems, potentially expanding access for individuals who might otherwise be deemed ineligible without considering their full support structure.
med
Allows a covered entity to consider a disability only if a physician determines, through an individualized evaluation, that it is medically significant to the receipt of the organ transplant.
This provides a specific, narrow exception, ensuring that denials are based on direct medical necessity rather than general disability status.
med
Defines 'supported decision-making' to include involving chosen support persons in health care communications and decisions.
This empowers individuals with disabilities to participate more fully in their own medical care decisions with trusted assistance.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Covered entity
Any licensed healthcare provider, including hospitals, nursing facilities, and transplant hospitals, that operates in or substantially affects interstate commerce.
Disability
A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Organ transplant
The medical procedure of moving a donated human organ into another person's body to treat a medical condition.
Qualified individual
A person who, with or without a support network, assistance, or policy changes, meets the requirements to receive a human organ.
Reasonable modifications to policies or practices
Adjustments in how healthcare is provided, such as communicating with a patient's support network or considering their available support when assessing their ability to follow post-transplant care.
Supported decision-making
Using a trusted person to help an individual with a disability make healthcare decisions, communicate information, or express their wishes, while respecting their privacy and preferences.
Support network
ACTION TIMELINE
13 EVENTS
JUN 24, 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
INTROREFERRAL
JUN 23, 25
Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
FLOOR
JUN 23, 25
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2858-2860)
FLOOR
JUN 23, 25
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1520.
One or more people (like family, friends, or community members) chosen by an individual with a disability to help them understand issues, plan for the future, or make decisions, particularly regarding their health.
