Key facts
- The Trump administration is moving to decertify Network for Hope, a Kentucky-based organ procurement organization.
- Allegations include persistent patient safety failures and attempts to retrieve organs from patients showing signs of life.
- The Department of Health and Human Services initiated the decertification process.
- Network for Hope denies the findings and intends to appeal the decision.
- A 2021 incident involved a man who allegedly showed signs of life before organ retrieval was attempted.
The Trump administration is moving to decertify Network for Hope, a Kentucky-based organ procurement organization (OPO), citing persistent patient safety failures. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has begun the process, which would effectively shutter the organization serving Kentucky and parts of Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. Network for Hope denies the allegations and plans to appeal the decision.
HHS stated its decision stems from two federal investigations that found "persistent patient safety failures." One investigation by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) examined 351 cases where organ donations were canceled, finding concerning features in 103, including patients showing signs of life that should have made them ineligible for donation.
The scrutiny comes amid an increase in donations from individuals whose hearts have stopped, rather than those declared brain-dead. Organ procurement organizations are barred from declaring death or being involved in care decisions, but the timing of life support withdrawal can be complex.
Network for Hope previously made headlines for a 2021 incident where a man, Anthony Thomas Hoover II, allegedly showed signs of waking up before organ retrieval was to occur. Hospital staff reportedly expressed discomfort, and the OPO's predecessor allegedly pressured staff to proceed. The surgery was canceled, and Hoover recovered with lingering neurological injuries. His sister was present at the announcement of the decertification effort.
Network for Hope maintains it complies with federal policies and has implemented a "pause" process since the incident to allow concerns to be raised about donation plans.