HRSA final rule expands reimbursable expenses for living organ donors

The Health Resources and Services Administration last week released a final rule and notice expanding the types of expenses the National Living Donor Assistance Center will reimburse to include lost wages and child- and elder-care expenses for living donors who lack other forms of financial support.

The program previously reimbursed only travel, lodging, meals and incidental expenses related to living organ donation.

The rule takes effect 30 days after publication in tomorrow’s Federal Register. President Trump directed the agency to develop the rule in July to help remove financial barriers to living organ donation. Eligible donors may apply for reimbursement through their local transplant center, HRSA said.

Transplants using organs from living donors last year accounted for 19% of the nation’s 39,719 transplants.