Penn State Health shuts down kidney and liver transplant programs due to ‘continual obstacles’ and government investigation

Penn State Health has made the decision to discontinue its liver and kidney transplant programs due to scrutiny from federal regulators. This decision comes after the programs were relaunched following serious disciplinary sanctions and a significant effort to rebuild. Recent scrutiny from regulators over concerns about clinical processes and institutional culture led to the health system stopping liver and kidney transplants at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

The abdominal transplant program has faced problems for years, with a national oversight group declaring the hospital as a “member not in good standing” in September 2022 due to issues with kidney and liver transplants. In response, Penn State Health leaders took steps to rebuild the programs by hiring new surgeons, updating equipment, and overhauling internal operations.

Despite efforts to rebuild, discussions with regulators and an internal review led to the decision to close the liver and kidney transplant programs. The closure comes less than six months after the national oversight body restored the hospital’s status as a member in good standing. The closure does not impact Penn State Health’s heart, stem cell, and bone marrow transplant programs.

The medical center has already suspended liver transplants and kidney transplants, with staff assisting waitlisted patients in transferring to other transplant centers. Patients who have already received an organ transplant or are managing kidney or liver diseases without needing a transplant can still receive care at Hershey. This decision was described as challenging, but necessary, by a spokesperson for Penn State Health.