New Jersey nonprofit faces allegations of proceeding with organ recovery after patient was revived.

In an alarming development regarding organ donation practices, federal lawmakers have raised serious concerns about the actions of a prominent New Jersey nonprofit, the New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network (NJ Sharing Network). Allegations have surfaced that the organization’s president instructed staff to continue the organ procurement process from a patient who was mistakenly believed to be deceased but later exhibited signs of life during the recovery procedure.

The disclosure emerged from a letter sent by the House Committee on Ways and Means, which is currently investigating malpractice allegations within the organ donation sector. It has been reported that staff at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital intervened to halt the procedure, following the patient’s unexpected reanimation. This incident occurred approximately two weeks prior to the committee notifying NJ Sharing Network of its ongoing investigation into the organization.

The committee has voiced concerns not only about this specific incident but also regarding broader misconduct allegations against NJ Sharing Network. Whistleblowers allege that the organization has engaged in various unethical practices, including discarding organs intended for research and pressuring families for organ donations even in cases where individuals had revoked their donor status. Additionally, it has been claimed that NJ Sharing Network has bypassed patients on waiting lists, potentially in violation of federal law.

This investigation into NJ Sharing Network is part of a larger examination of the U.S. organ donation system, which has faced increased scrutiny over the past few years. Recently, the federal Department of Health and Human Services also uncovered evidence indicating that another organ donation organization had performed procedures on at least 28 patients who might not have been dead at the time. Furthermore, reports highlighted that Senate investigators previously identified 70 cases where individuals died due to improper organ screening.

Notably, in September, former NJ Sharing Network staffer Patrek Chase lodged a lawsuit against the nonprofit and two other organizations, claiming that they had collected organs unsuitable for transplants to maximize Medicaid reimbursements.

In response to these investigations, federal lawmakers have emphasized their commitment to ensuring accountability within the organ donation system. The committee has requested an extensive array of documents and communications from NJ Sharing Network, along with interviews from more than two dozen staff members. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential deletion of key emails related to the contentious donation case.

As these revelations unfold, the investigation continues to emphasize the critical need for transparency and ethical standards within the organ donation process, an issue that affects countless lives across the nation. Media News Source will continue to monitor developments in this ongoing case and its implications for the integrity of organ donation practices.