The National Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network

The development of the immunosuppressive agent cyclosporin revolutionized the field of organ transplantation, resulting in an increased demand for organs and a strong public interest in how organs are procured and distributed. Federal legislation in 1984 led to the creation of the National Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (NOPTN) through a contract with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). McDonald seeks to clarify for his medical colleagues the current situation with regard to public involvement through NOPTN with organ procurement and distribution. He lists the ten tasks contracted for with UNOS, and explains three of the tasks and their implications for professionals and facilities involved in transplantation. McDonald emphasizes the advantages of NOPTN and assures physicians that its operation will not interfere with their capacity to care for patients.