TRANSPLANT Act of 2021 (H.R. 941)

Summary

Continues funding for stem cell and cord blood programs to help find new treatments for patients with serious diseases.

What problem does this solve?

Funding for national stem cell and cord blood transplant programs was about to run out, threatening access to life-saving treatments. This law provides new funding for these programs through 2026 and requires regular reviews to include the latest scientific discoveries.

What does this law do?

Reauthorizes program funding

Provides $31,009,000 for each fiscal year from 2022 through 2026 for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program.

Funds the national cord blood inventory

Authorizes $23,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2022 through 2026 to maintain and grow the national cord blood inventory.

Requires regular review of new therapies

Mandates a review every two years of the science of using adult stem cells and birthing tissues to see if new therapies can be included in the program.

Mandates a report on the medical workforce

Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the current and future workforce needs for stem cell transplantation and regenerative medicine.

Increases advisory council meetings

Requires the program's Advisory Council to meet at least twice per year to provide guidance and oversight.

Who does this affect?

Patients needing stem cell transplants
Medical researchers
Healthcare professionals in regenerative medicine

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures continued access to life-saving therapies

Reauthorizes funding for the national bone marrow and cord blood donor registry. This is critical for patients with diseases like leukemia and lymphoma who need a transplant to survive.

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Promotes scientific advancement in medicine

Requires regular reviews of the latest science in adult stem cells and birthing tissues. This helps the program adapt and include new, cutting-edge therapies as they are developed.

When does this start?

This law's provisions have several different start dates and deadlines.

Program funding period

Authorizes funding for the stem cell and cord blood programs for fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

Deadline for therapy recommendations

By June 30, 2025, the Secretary must complete a scientific review and submit recommendations to Congress on including new therapies in the program.

GAO workforce report deadline

The Government Accountability Office must submit its report on the regenerative medicine workforce within two years of this law being passed.