HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM) – Penn State Health is voluntarily pausing its liver transplant program. This decision is so the center can undergo a performance review with representatives from the United Network for Organ Sharing.

In an emailed written statement, a spokesperson with Penn State Health says, “The decision to inactivate comes after concerns about clinical processes and documentation were identified.”

Penn State Health has individually notified 63 patients on the waiting list or those undergoing evaluation for the waitlist regarding the program’s pause. They say they are working with other liver transplant centers to assist with transition of their care.

Adding, “We will continue providing post-transplant care for patients who have already received a liver transplant at Penn State Health.”

Lancaster County-based Irish Pub closes after 33 years

Since reactivating its liver transplant program about a year ago, Penn State Health says, “Penn State Health has been routinely submitting clinical performance data and other information to UNOS to monitor the program’s progress.”

Penn State Health says it will continue to work with the United Network for Organ Sharing to ensure that its liver transplant program meets patients needs.

This pause of the program doesn’t affect other Penn State Health transplant programs including kidney, heart, stem cell and bone marrow transplants.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Nittany Insiders

This is not the first time Penn State Health has voluntarily inactivated a transplant program.

“Penn State Health voluntarily inactivated its abdominal transplant program – which includes kidney and liver transplants – in April 2022, in order to make improvements, and later announced the reactivation of the program in March 2023,” said a spokesperson with Penn State Health.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.