RFK Jr. to decertify organ harvesting organization for operating on patients who still showed active signs of life
The US Department of Health and Human Services has begun the decertification of Network for Hope, the federally designated organ procurement organization serving Kentucky and parts of Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia, following federal reviews that uncovered serious patient safety failures.The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services initiated the decertification action after investigations revealed persistent safety issues, including instances where the organ harvesting process was initiated on patients who still showed active signs of life.Appearing on America’s Newsroom, Dr.Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News, described details from his interview with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy Jr.regarding the department’s actions against the nonprofit organization.“Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy is bringing to light horror stories about the dark corners of organ harvesting,” Siegel said.“The department is now pulling the accreditation of Kentucky’s Network for Hope, the main organ procurement organization in the state.”Network for Hope’s chief executive officer stated that the organization plans to appeal the federal decision, maintaining that it remains fully compliant with organ procurement and transportation network policies.Siegel said he spoke with Secretary Kennedy about the case of TJ Hoover, a prospective donor who reportedly nearly had his organs removed by Network for Hope while still alive.“Even after those signs of life, Kennedy says the organ procurement process continued until the physician refused to proceed,” the doctor said.HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration examined 351 cases at Network for Hope between 2021 and 2024 in which organ donation was authorized but ultimately not completed.The review identified 103 cases with concerning features, including 73 patients with what HHS described as “neurological signs incompatible with organ donation.”“HHS says it...