The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and the United Network for Organ Sharing named the Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency as a "member not in good standing," prompting Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital to sever ties with the organ bank.
When an organization is designated as a member not in good standing, it is the OPTN/UNOS' way of telling the public the organization "has committed a violation of OPTN policies or bylaws or has demonstrated a serious lapse in patient safety or quality of care."
The LAORA, located in Miami and part of the University of Miami, is one of just 58 federally designated organ recovery agencies regulated by the UNOS, according to its website. The bank has issues with its management practices, staff training and collaboration with transplant hospitals in the area, according to the OPTN/UNOS.
Now that LAORA is a "member not in good standing," Tampa General Hospital has stopped accepting organs from the organization, according to a WFTS report. In the past, the hospital used the bank, but it was not its primary organ bank, according to the report.
"We are aware of the UNOS action, but have no specific details at this time. We will continue to monitor developments as UNOS continues to review its program," a Tampa General statement to WFTS reads.