Extramural Support Reimbursement of Travel and Subsistence Expenses Toward Living Organ Donation Program

Riepilogo

Congress has provided specific authority under section 377 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, 42 U.S.C. 274f, as amended by Public Law 108-216 for providing reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses for certain individuals donating their organs. Additionally, Congress authorized the Secretary to provide reimbursement for other incidental non-medical expenses as the Secretary determines by regulation to be appropriate. Accordingly, under the existing Program launched in October 2007, individuals who meet Program eligibility guidelines may receive reimbursement for qualifying travel and subsistence expenses related to live organ donation. The existing Program structure is based on Section 377(a)(1) of the PHS Act. This section explicitly allows the Secretary to provide reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses incurred by living organ donors. HRSA wishes to implement Section 377(a)(2) of the PHS Act which authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations describing other incidental nonmedical expenses appropriate for reimbursement under this Program. The Department is considering initiating rulemaking proposing that reimbursement be extended to additional expenses incu