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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