The OPTN/UNOS Liver and Intestinal Organ Transplantation Committee is sponsoring a forum to discuss concepts intended to increase equity in access to liver transplantation. The forum will be held September 16, 2014, 9 - 5 (Central time) at the Hilton Rosemont Hotel near Chicago-O'Hare International Airport. The forum will also be available for live teleconference participation.
Forum participants will discuss liver distribution issues addressed in a concept document issued in June, as well as responses to a questionnaire distributed along with the document. The Committee will consider input gathered from the questionnaire and forum in continuing study of improvements to liver policy.
As meeting space is limited for in-person attendance, advance registration is required. The Committee encourages attendance from member institutions, professional societies, patient advocacy organizations, and other members of the public. To allow opportunities for all constituencies to attend, each liver transplant program may register up to two representatives and each organ procurement organization may register up to one representative. If there is additional meeting capacity as of August 15, member institutions may register additional representatives on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To register for in-person attendance at the forum, visit www.regonline.com/liverforum2014. View the forum agenda. Registrations will be accepted through Sunday, August 31. Attendees must cover their own travel and lodging expenses; however, a special reservation rate is available at the hotel through Friday, August 22, by specifying group code "UNO." Call the Hilton Rosemont at 888-452-6943 for hotel reservations.
Registration is now open for individuals who wish to participate by webinar. To register, visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2132334937053365505. During the webinar the audio feed will be set to broadcast-only, so that participants can more clearly hear the presentations and discussions. While webinar participants will not be able to verbally ask questions or make comments, they can respond to polling questions online and may submit brief questions or comments by email to liver@unos.org. Questions and comments will be addressed during the forum as time permits, and all will be shared with the committee for its follow-up discussion.
For additional information, email liver@unos.org.