S1782119th CongressWALLET

Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act

Sponsored By: Senator Ashley Moody

Introduced

Summary

Ban discrimination in organ transplants based on disability. This bill would bar transplant centers and related providers from denying, limiting, or failing to refer people for organ transplants solely because of a mental or physical disability, and it requires reasonable accommodations and recognition of supported decision-making.

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Ban on transplant disability denial

If enacted, covered health providers and transplant centers could not deny or refuse to list you for an organ transplant solely because of a disability. They would have to make reasonable policy changes and provide needed aids unless doing so would fundamentally alter care or cause undue burden. A doctor could consider a disability only after an individualized medical evaluation shows it is medically significant to the transplant. Hospitals could not count a support network as proof you cannot follow post-surgery care if that network gives reasonable assurance of compliance. These rules would apply to evaluation, listing, the transplant surgery, and post-transplant treatment.

Who counts as a transplant candidate

If enacted, the bill would define who is a "qualified individual" for transplants, including people who need help or supports. It would list covered providers, describe related services like evaluation and post-op care, and name helpers such as family, unpaid supporters, health proxies, and clergy. It would also list examples of reasonable policy changes providers should consider, such as talking with people who will give post-surgery care and checking available home or community supports. These definitions would make it clearer when hospitals must consider you a candidate.

Faster complaint route to HHS civil rights

If enacted, people alleging transplant discrimination could bring complaints to the HHS Office for Civil Rights for expedited review when appropriate. Using that office would not stop you from suing under the ADA, section 504, section 1557, or other laws. The bill would also say that state or local laws giving more rights still apply. This gives an extra federal enforcement path for alleged violations.

Stop board policies blocking access

If enacted, the specified federal board would be barred from issuing policies, recommendations, or memoranda that block or hinder a qualified person's access to transplants solely because of disability. The ban applies only where the board's action targets disability alone. This would limit one source of guidance that could systemically exclude people with disabilities from transplants.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Ashley Moody

FL • R

Cosponsors

  • Maggie Hassan

    NH • D

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Rick Scott

    FL • R

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Tina Smith

    MN • D

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Steve Daines

    MT • R

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Timothy Kaine

    VA • D

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Cindy Hyde-Smith

    MS • R

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Sheldon Whitehouse

    RI • D

    Sponsored 5/15/2025

  • Marsha Blackburn

    TN • R

    Sponsored 6/2/2025

  • Mark Warner

    VA • D

    Sponsored 6/2/2025

  • Eric Schmitt

    MO • R

    Sponsored 6/26/2025

  • Raphael Warnock

    GA • D

    Sponsored 6/26/2025

  • Christopher Coons

    DE • D

    Sponsored 7/14/2025

  • James Justice

    WV • R

    Sponsored 7/14/2025

  • Roger Marshall

    KS • R

    Sponsored 9/8/2025

  • Mark Kelly

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 9/8/2025

  • John Fetterman

    PA • D

    Sponsored 2/24/2026

  • Chris Van Hollen

    MD • D

    Sponsored 2/24/2026

  • John Reed

    RI • D

    Sponsored 2/24/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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