The current changes proposed for the Bylaws are quite substantial. These changes could have dramatic effects on the way laboratories are approved to be OPTN/UNOS member laboratories and how records for performance on graded proficiency testing surveys for HLA typing are reported by the ASHI PT Program or reviewed by the ASHI Accreditation Review Board. There would also be substantial changes in the requirements for agreements between laboratories and transplant programs and the kinds of reports laboratories will be required to submit to the OPTN.

The ASHI National Clinical Affairs Committee, the Board of Directors, and the leaders of the PT Committee and the ARB have worked together to write an official ASHI response. As promised, we are sharing that response with you. It can be read here.

Today we are asking you to do three things:

1. Attend your UNOS Region's spring meeting and participate in the discussion on these proposals. Click here for the calendar of UNOS Regional meetings.

2. If you cannot attend your UNOS Region's meeting, please contact your region's representative to the Histocompatibility Committee and tell them your concerns. A list of representatives can be found here.

3. Submit your own comments on these proposals. Remember, it is important for all ASHI members to comment on these proposals because every comment, whether it comes from an individual or an organization, is counted equally. Comments can be submitted on this page.

The deadline for submission of comments is June 14, 2013.

Thank you for your continuing support of ASHI and its mission.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Pollack, PhD, D(ABHI)

President, ASHI