Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act

Summary

Bans disability-based discrimination in organ transplants. Health systems, transplant programs, and other covered entities must not deny or limit evaluation, listing, surgery, or follow‑up care to someone just because they have a disability. Requires “reasonable modifications” and needed aids and services unless they would fundamentally change the program or cause an undue burden. Allows medical exceptions only when a physician makes an individualized, evidence-based determination. Complaints can be filed with the HHS Office for Civil Rights. Stronger state or local protections remain in place.

• Bans disability-based discrimination in organ transplant access, from evaluation through follow‑up care.
• Requires reasonable modifications and auxiliary aids unless they cause a fundamental alteration or undue burden.
• Allows medical exceptions only after an individualized physician assessment based on evidence.
• Protects the use of supported decision-making and other assistance for transplant-related choices and care.
• Permits complaints to the HHS Office for Civil Rights for enforcement.
• Ensures existing federal disability rights laws remain fully in force.
• Covers related services and the processes used to obtain them, not just the surgery itself.
• Preserves stronger state or local protections; this Act does not preempt them.