What is the primary function of the National Organ Transplant Act established in 1984?

The primary function of the National Organ Transplant Act, established in 1984, is to create an organ procurement system and maintain registries. This legislation was critical in addressing the growing need for organ donations and ensuring a more efficient and equitable allocation of organs. It set up a framework for the collection and distribution of organ donations and established the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), which plays a vital role in maintaining national organ transplant waiting lists and facilitating the matching of donors and recipients.

While establishing criteria for organ donation eligibility is a part of the work done by transplantation organizations, it is not the primary focus of the Act itself. Similarly, although it is essential to monitor and regulate organ transplant practices, this law does not directly regulate pricing for transplantable organs, nor does it primarily legislate restrictions on these practices. The emphasis of the National Organ Transplant Act lies in the efficient organization of the procurement and distribution of organs, thus enhancing the overall transplantation system in the United States.