Health Resources and Services Administration October 13, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Congress has provided specific authority under section 377 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 274f, as amended by Public Law 108-216 for providing reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses for certain individuals donating their organs. Additionally, Congress has provided the Secretary the authority to provide reimbursement for other incidental non-medical expenses as the Secretary determines by regulation to be appropriate. The Health Resources and Services Administration is developing a demonstration program to fulfill this authority. In the first cycle, the program will focus exclusively on providing reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses for certain individuals donating their organs. In the future, the program may provide reimbursement for other incidental non-medical expense. The purpose of this solicitation of comments is to assist HRSA in establishing an effective program which addresses the concerns and the needs of the community. In addition, the Division of Transplantation, Healthcare Systems Bureau plans two conference calls to discuss the program.