Bill would bar organ transplant denials based on disability alone

What does this do?

The bill, named after Charlotte Woodward, prohibits hospitals and providers from denying transplant evaluations, waitlist placement, or transplants solely because of a patient's disability. Doctors may still weigh disability if an individual medical evaluation shows it genuinely affects transplant success. Providers must also make reasonable adjustments, like involving caregivers or communication aids, to help patients meet post-transplant care needs.

Who does it affect?

Affects patients with intellectual, mental, or physical disabilities needing transplants, plus hospitals, doctors, transplant centers, and the national organ transplant oversight board.

Why does it matter?

Patients who believe they faced discrimination could file complaints with HHS's Office for Civil Rights, adding to existing protections under laws like the ADA, while states could keep stronger existing protections.

Where does it stand?