• District of Columbia: HHS has started the process to decertify Network for Hope, a multistate organ procurement group, after an investigation found that the group had prepared dozens of patients for organ donation while they were still alive. Last year, an investigation by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) found that Network for Hope should have canceled over 70 organ removals sooner since patients showed signs of revival. Although organ removal did not ultimately happen in these cases, HRSA said multiple patients showed signs of pain or distress while being prepared for the procedure. The majority of the patients did eventually die either hours or days later; however, some recovered enough to leave the hospital. This is the second organ procurement organization to be decertified by the Trump administration. Last September, HHS shut down Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency over mismanagement and safety concerns. "When an organization entrusted with the gift of life repeatedly puts patients at risk, the federal government has the duty to act, and that's why we're acting today," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Wu, Washington Post, 8/5)
• Kentucky: Humana has named James "J.P." Holland SVP and president of Medicaid, effective Aug. 17. Since 2019, Holland served as president and CEO of Johns Hopkins Health Plans. Before that, he was CEO of the Alliance Business at Elevance Health and held leadership roles at Wellpoint and Centene's Wellcare. In his new role, Holland will lead Humana's Medicaid business, which serves more than 1.6 million members across 11 different states. "Medicaid is an important part of how we deliver on Humana's purpose, helping some of the most vulnerable populations access the care and support they need to achieve their best health," said Aaron Martin, president of insurance at Humana. "J.P. brings deep expertise leading government-sponsored healthcare plans and maintaining strong relationships with state and provider partners. His experiences and insights will be invaluable as we continue to grow our Medicaid business and better serve our Medicaid members." (Emerson, Becker's Hospital Review, 8/10; Business Wire, 8/10)
• Maryland: FDA has licensed Ezplaz, the first freeze-dried plasma product for adult patients who need a transfusion. Ezplaz is designed to be used for patients who need plasma, such as those who are bleeding or need a massive transfusion, when traditional frozen plasma isn't available. The product is made from a single unit of fresh, frozen plasma collected by FDA-licensed blood establishments. It is available in Group AB and A with low-titer anti-B blood types to reduce the risk of giving it to patients during an emergency before their blood type is determined. Unlike conventional plasma products, Ezplaz can be stored at room temperature, is stable after being exposed to fluctuating temperatures, and is rapidly reconstituted. "Patients experiencing life-threatening bleeding in combat zones, disasters, rural settings, or other austere environments may now have faster access to plasma when conventional frozen plasma is unavailable," said Karim Mikhail, acting director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. "This milestone action addresses an important unmet medical need — particularly for our military personnel and others who may be far from traditional hospital infrastructure." (Bassett, MedPage Today, 7/29)

Given the high-profile nature of transplant programs and perceived halo effect on other services, planners tend to regularly evaluate investment in transplant services. But the supply-limited nature of transplants challenges traditional planning efforts because even with high demand there's no volume guarantee. Explore our research briefing to learn how to expand the pipeline of potential transplant patients and engage them across the care pathway.