National Organ Transplant Act

The National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA), enacted in 1984, is a U.S. law that established guidelines for organ donation and transplantation. Its main goals are to ensure equitable and fair allocation of organs, prevent organ trafficking, and promote voluntary donation. NOTA created the organ transplant network, known as UNOS, to coordinate the distribution of donated organs based on medical criteria. It also made it illegal to buy or sell organs, aiming to protect donors and recipients alike. Overall, it provides a legal framework to facilitate ethical and effective organ transplantation in the United States.