---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 1320b–8"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "1320b–8"
heading: "Hospital protocols for organ procurement and standards for organ procurement agencies"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/1320b-8"
units:
  - "Chapter 7 — Social Security"
  - "Subchapter XI — General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification"
  - "Part A — General Provisions"
---

# §1320b–8. Hospital protocols for organ procurement and standards for organ procurement agencies

- (a)
  - (1) The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall provide that a [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) or critical access [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) meeting the requirements of subchapter XVIII or XIX may participate in the program established under such subchapter only if—
    - (A) the [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) or critical access [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) establishes written protocols for the identification of potential organ donors that—
      - (i) assure that families of potential organ donors are made aware of the option of organ or tissue donation and their option to decline,
      - (ii) encourage discretion and sensitivity with respect to the circumstances, views, and beliefs of such families, and
      - (iii) require that such [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1)’s designated organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) (as defined in [paragraph (3)(B)](#a-3-B)) is notified of potential organ donors;
    - (B) in the case of a [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) in which organ transplants are performed, the [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) is a member of, and abides by the rules and requirements of, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network established pursuant to [section 274 of this title](/usc/42/274.md) (in this section referred to as the “Network”); and
    - (C) the [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) or critical access [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) has an agreement (as defined in [paragraph (3)(A)](#a-3-A)) only with such [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1)’s designated organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1).
  - (2)
    - (A) The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) a waiver of the requirements under subparagraphs [(A)(iii)](#a-1-A-iii) and [(C)](#a-1-C) of paragraph (1) to a [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) or critical access [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) desiring to enter into an agreement with an organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) other than such [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1)’s designated organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) if the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) determines that—
      - (i) the waiver is expected to increase organ donation; and
      - (ii) the waiver will assure equitable [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) of patients referred for transplants within the service area served by such [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1)’s designated organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) and within the service area served by the organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) with which the [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) seeks to enter into an agreement under the waiver.
    - (B) In making a determination under [subparagraph (A)](#a-2-A), the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) may consider factors that would include, but not be limited to—
      - (i) cost effectiveness;
      - (ii) improvements in quality;
      - (iii) whether there has been any change in a [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1)’s designated organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) due to a change made on or after December 28, 1992, in the definitions for metropolitan statistical areas (as established by the Office of Management and Budget); and
      - (iv) the length and continuity of a [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1)’s relationship with an organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) other than the [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1)’s designated organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1);

      except that nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to permit the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) to [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) a waiver that does not meet the requirements of [subparagraph (A)](#a-2-A).

    - (C) Any [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) or critical access [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) seeking a waiver under [subparagraph (A)](#a-2-A) shall submit an application to the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) containing such information as the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) determines appropriate.
    - (D) The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall—
      - (i) publish a public notice of any waiver application received from a [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) or critical access [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) under this paragraph within 30 days of receiving such application; and
      - (ii) prior to making a final determination on such application under [subparagraph (A)](#a-2-A), offer interested parties the opportunity to submit written comments to the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) during the 60-day period beginning on the date such notice is published.
  - (3) For purposes of this subsection—
    - (A) the term “agreement” means an agreement described in [section 273(b)(3)(A) of this title](/usc/42/273.md?p=b-3-A);
    - (B) the term “designated organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1)” means, with respect to a [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) or critical access [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1), the organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) designated pursuant to [subsection (b)](#b) for the service area in which such [hospital](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1) is located; and
    - (C) the term “organ” means a human kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, and any other human organ or tissue specified by the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) for purposes of this subsection.
- (b)
  - (1) The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall provide that payment may be made under subchapter XVIII or XIX with respect to organ procurement costs attributable to payments made to an organ procurement [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) only if the [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1)—
    - (A)
      - (i) is a qualified organ procurement organization (as described in [section 273(b) of this title](/usc/42/273.md?p=b)) that is operating under a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) made under [section 273(a) of this title](/usc/42/273.md?p=a), or (ii) has been certified or recertified by the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) within the previous 2 years (4 years if the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) determines appropriate for an organization on the basis of its past [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19)) as meeting the [standards](/usc/42/1320d.md?p=7) to be a qualified organ procurement organization (as so described);
    - (B) meets the requirements that are applicable under such subchapter for organ procurement [agencies](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1);
    - (C) meets performance-related [standards](/usc/42/1320d.md?p=7) prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6);
    - (D) is a member of, and abides by the rules and requirements of, the Network;
    - (E) allocates organs, within its service area and nationally, in accordance with medical criteria and the policies of the Network; and
    - (F) is designated by the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) as an organ procurement organization payments to which may be treated as organ procurement costs for purposes of reimbursement under such subchapter.
  - (2) The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) may not designate more than one organ procurement organization for each service area (described in [section 273(b)(1)(E)](/usc/42/273.md?p=b-1-E)[^1] of this title) under [paragraph (1)(F)](#b-1-F).

## Footnotes

[^1]: See References in Text note below.

## Source credit

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XI, § 1138, as added Pub. L. 99–509, title IX, § 9318(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 2009; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, § 4039(h)(2), Dec. 22, 1987, as added Pub. L. 100–360, title IV, § 411(e)(3), July 1, 1988, 102 Stat. 775; amended Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, § 6003(g)(3)(D)(iv), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2153; Pub. L. 103–432, title I, § 155(a)(1), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4438; Pub. L. 105–33, title IV, §§ 4201(c)(1), 4642, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 373, 487.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

Section 273(b)(1)(E) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), was redesignated section 273(b)(1)(F) of this title by Pub. L. 106–505, title VII, § 701(c)(1), Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2347 and Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(1) [title II, § 219(b)(1)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–29.

### Amendments

1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–33, § 4201(c)(1), substituted “critical access” for “rural primary care” wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 105–33, § 4642, substituted “2 years (4 years if the Secretary determines appropriate for an organization on the basis of its past practices)” for “two years”.

1994—Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 103–432, § 155(a)(1)(A), amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iii) read as follows: “require that an organ procurement agency designated by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(F) of this section be notified of potential organ donors; and”.

Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 103–432, § 155(a)(1)(B), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–432, § 155(a)(1)(C)(ii), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 103–432, § 155(a)(1)(D), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: “For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘organ’ means a human kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, and any other human organ or tissue specified by the Secretary for purposes of this subsection.”

Pub. L. 103–432, § 155(a)(1)(C)(i), redesignated par. (2) as (3).

1989—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted “hospital or rural primary care hospital” for “hospital” in two places preceding cl. (i) of subpar. (A).

1988—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 100–360 added Pub. L. 100–203, § 4039(h)(2), see 1987 Amendment note below.

1987—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 100–203, § 4039(h)(2), as added by Pub. L. 100–360, substituted “in” for “In” at beginning.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by section 4201(c)(1) of Pub. L. 105–33 applicable to services furnished on or after Oct. 1, 1997, see section 4201(d) of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 1395f of this title.

### Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–432, title I, § 155(a)(3), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4439, provided that: “The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply to hospitals and rural primary care hospitals participating in the programs under titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq., 1396 et seq.] beginning January 1, 1996.”

### Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Except as specifically provided in section 411 of Pub. L. 100–360, amendment by Pub. L. 100–360, as it relates to a provision in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, Pub. L. 100–203, effective as if included in the enactment of that provision in Pub. L. 100–203, see section 411(a) of Pub. L. 100–360, set out as a Reference to OBRA; Effective Date note under section 106 of Title 1, General Provisions.

### Effective Date

Pub. L. 99–509, title IX, § 9318(b), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 2010, as amended by Pub. L. 100–119, title I, § 107(c), Sept. 29, 1987, 101 Stat. 784; Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, § 4009(g)(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–58, provided that: Section 1138(a) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1320b–8(a)] shall apply to hospitals participating in the programs under titles XVIII and XIX of such Act [42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq., 1396 et seq.] as of November 21, 1987.”

“(2) Section 1138(b) of such Act [42 U.S.C. 1320b–8(b)] shall apply to costs of organs procured on or after March 31, 1988.”

[Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, § 4009(g)(2), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–58, provided that: “The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this note] shall be effective as if included in the enactment of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–509].” ]

### Existing Agreements With Organ Procurement Agencies

Pub. L. 103–432, title I, § 155(a)(2), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4439, provided that: “Any hospital or rural primary care hospital which has an agreement (as defined in section 1138(a)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1320b–8(a)(3)(A)]) with an organ procurement agency other than such hospital’s designated organ procurement agency (as defined in section 1138(a)(3)(B) of such Act) on the date of the enactment of this section [Oct. 31, 1994] shall, if such hospital desires to continue such agreement on and after the effective date of the amendments made by paragraph (1) [see Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note above], submit an application to the Secretary for a waiver under section 1138(a)(2) of such Act not later than January 1, 1996, and such agreement may continue in effect pending the Secretary’s determination with respect to such application.”