Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he will move to decertify Network for Hope after allegations that a predecessor OPO pressured hospital staff to recover organs from a Kentucky man who later showed signs of life. Donna Rohrer, the patient's sister, says the surgeon refused to proceed and that an OPO coordinator was pressured to "find another surgeon." Network for Hope disputes the portrayal, while a former employee and advocates call for limits on OPO influence and stronger hospital oversight.
Sister Demands Reforms After Kentucky Man Nearly Had Organs Removed as He Showed Signs of Life; OPO Faces Decertification
Sister of living man whose organs were nearly harvested demands reforms
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week announced he intends to decertify an organ procurement organization (OPO) after allegations that a predecessor group pressured hospital staff to proceed with organ recovery from a Kentucky patient who later showed signs of life.
What Happened
Anthony Thomas “TJ” Hoover II was pronounced dead in 2021 after being rushed to a hospital. According to his sister, Donna Rohrer, he later displayed signs of life. Rohrer says the organ procurement agency involved would not abandon efforts to recover organs despite those signs.
Allegations From Family
Rohrer told reporters that the operating surgeon refused to proceed with organ recovery. She alleges that an OPO coordinator then phoned the organization's home office and was told, "Find another surgeon or you'll lose your job," if the hospital team would not continue. Rohrer now serves as her brother's caretaker and is calling for accountability and systemic reforms.
"The surgeon refused to proceed. One of the organ organization's own coordinators called the home office after the doctor refused, and she was told, 'Find another surgeon or you'll lose your job.'" — Donna Rohrer, TJ Hoover II's sister
OPO Response and Federal Action
Network for Hope, the organization targeted by Kennedy's action, issued a prepared statement saying it is "concerned by the way this case has been misrepresented." The group added that OPO staff are trained to respect donor dignity and to report any irregularities immediately.
In response to the allegations, Health Secretary Kennedy announced plans to move to decertify Network for Hope, citing safety and process concerns. The decision has renewed debate over oversight of organ recovery, hospital authority, and the role of OPOs in patient care.
Calls For Reform
Nycki Martin, a former employee of the OPO's predecessor, urged policymakers to limit OPO presence and decision-making power inside hospitals. "A lot of power has been given to the OPOs in our country," she said. "The power needs to be taken back to the hospital and to the donors and their families. ... An OPO shouldn't even be involved unless they're asked to be at bedside."
Rohrer emphasized she supports organ donation but wants safeguards so mistakes or abuses do not happen again. Federal review and possible decertification of the OPO may prompt changes to policies governing organ recovery and hospital oversight.
Next Steps
The federal review is ongoing. If decertification proceeds, Network for Hope could lose its authority to coordinate organ recovery in the regions it serves, potentially triggering broader regulatory scrutiny of OPO practices nationwide.
Help us improve.
