New OPTN policy formalizes 'unplanned DCD pause' as stop‑the‑line safety measure

Webinar presenters said the policy introduces a formal, patient‑safety focused "unplanned DCD pause" to be used when concerns cannot be resolved through usual escalation. Lori Markham defined it as a stop‑the‑line measure: "So here is the definition of an unplanned DCD pause. So it truly is a stop line patient safety measure." When a pause is requested, donation activities must be immediately suspended while stakeholders review the concern.

The policy requires OPOs to establish a written pause‑request and resolution process, convene appropriate stakeholders (including the individual who requested the pause) to review concerns, document each step in the donor record if a pause is requested, and report every requested pause through the OPTN patient safety portal. Presenters emphasized that pauses are expected to be "very rare."