New Jersey AG investigates group accused of trying to harvest organs from patient showing signs of life
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On November 19, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) sent a letter to the NJ Sharing Network, demanding documents and over 30 transcribed interviews with staff to investigate whistleblowers’ claims further.
The committee copied the New Jersey attorney general on that letter.
When reached for comment, the AG’s office confirmed to Blaze News that it was looking into the allegations.
“Our office is aware of the allegations of potential misconduct involving New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network discussed in correspondence from the U.S. House of Representatives,” a spokesperson stated. “We are investigating these allegations and are committed to ensuring that the organ donation system functions appropriately and for the purpose for which it was intended. We ask anyone with information to contact the Division of Criminal Justice at 609-376-2330.”
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Greg Segal, the founder and CEO of Organize, reacted to the AG’s office announcement.
“After 15 years of organ donation advocacy, I have come to believe that the only way patients will be protected is when law enforcement gets involved and prosecutes criminal activity,” Segal told Blaze News. “I am deeply grateful for the New Jersey attorney general. It is time to take out the trash.”
Smith stated that the allegations against OPOs “are some of the most disturbing I have seen.”
“Since day one of my tenure as Ways and Means Committee chairman, I have been committed to shining a light on bad actors in the tax-exempt sector to ensure organizations are accountable to American taxpayers,” Smith told Blaze News. “From rampant fraud to putting profits ahead of patient safety, this week’s hearing made clear this is a sector in dire need of accountability and reform to restore the American people’s faith in a lifesaving industry.”
“As someone who has a family member that is a recipient of a heart transplant, I believe it is vital that Americans have trust in our nation’s organ procurement process. That is the only way we can ensure that folks will continue to donate and save lives,” Smith added.
The NJ Sharing Network did not respond to a request for comment.
Editor’s note: This article has been edited after publication to add a statement from Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith.
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