Public Comment Opportunity on Developing Performance Measures for Organ Procurement Organizations

Public Comment Opportunity on OPO Measures

Econometrica, Inc., a well-established management and analytics consulting firm, has announced an important public input period focused on improving the performance measures for Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO). The aim is to develop independently verified measures that will bolster accountability and trust in the organ donation system across the United States.

This initiative comes at a critical time as the need for transparent and effective performance assessment in organ procurement is more important than ever. The current measure framework, managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), was established under a rule from 2020, but Econometrica plans to enhance this framework to ensure it evolves with changing needs.

To gather valuable feedback, Econometrica is reaching out to various stakeholders, including donor families, transplant patients, hospitals, and community partners. The project also endeavors to engage oversight bodies to ensure comprehensive input is captured.

Key areas of focus for public feedback include:
1. Measuring OPO Performance: What are the best methods for effectively measuring the performance of OPOs?
2. Criteria Development: What criteria should be considered when developing these performance measures?
3. Current Measures Evaluation: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing measures and frameworks?
4. New Recommendations: Suggestions for new or updated measures that could better reflect the realities of OPO operations.

The public comment period will remain open until July 1, 2025, allowing ample time for input from all interested parties. Comments can be submitted online, emphasizing the importance of digital channels in modern consultations. Traditional mail submissions will not be accepted, ensuring a streamlined and efficient process for gathering feedback.

In coordinating this project, Econometrica has been contracted by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO), along with a collaboration of 54 OPOs nationwide. Econometrica's experience spans over 25 years, specializing in data analytics, policy, payment, and measurement—making them well-equipped for this task.

The AOPO is recognized as a pivotal player within the organ donation community. This not-for-profit organization has been leading efforts to advocate for and enhance organ donation processes since its founding in 1984. Their mission is deeply rooted in improving lives through effective organ, eye, and tissue donation.

This development of new performance metrics not only aims to strengthen the existing organ donation framework but also to ensure that the system remains at the forefront of lifesaving medical practices. By fostering an inclusive dialogue with stakeholders, the initiative strives to create a transparent, accountable, and effective organ donation system that can adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare.

For those who want to engage in this pivotal conversation on improving OPO performance measures, it is crucial to submit comments by the deadline. Econometrica is committed to capturing input that will directly influence the future of organ procurement policies across the nation, ensuring that every opportunity for donation maximizes lives saved.

Learn more about this public comment period and the process involved at www.aopo.org, or reach out with inquiries via email at [email protected].