Memorial Hermann Hospital Reinstated to Good Standing by OPTN
Following a period of suspension due to serious transplant policy violations, Memorial Hermann Hospital, University of Texas at Houston, has been reinstated as a member in good standing with the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), effective March 13, 2026. This decision comes after an on-site review and a determination that the hospital has addressed the issues that led to its previous designation.
Background: Initial Suspension and Allegations
In February 2025, the OPTN Board of Directors designated Memorial Hermann as a “member not in good standing” due to significant violations of OPTN policies and bylaws, as well as concerns regarding patient safety and quality of care [Click2Houston]. The hospital had voluntarily inactivated its liver and kidney transplant programs on April 10, 2024, ceasing to add patients to the waitlist or accept organ offers [HRSA].
The situation came to light following allegations that Dr. J. Steve Bynon Jr., a liver transplant surgeon at the hospital, had been “secretly” altering transplant databases to manipulate patient eligibility for liver transplants [Houston Public Media]. Families of patients filed a class-action lawsuit against the hospital in response to these allegations [Houston Public Media].
OPTN Review and Reinstatement
As required by OPTN policies, an unannounced on-site review was conducted by the Membership and Professional Standards Committee (MPSC) on December 9-10, 2025 [HRSA]. Following the review, the MPSC recommended that the OPTN Executive Committee release Memorial Hermann from its “member not in good standing” status and continue monitoring the program.
On March 13, 2026, the OPTN Executive Committee approved the MPSC’s recommendation, fully reinstating Memorial Hermann’s membership privileges [HRSA].
Current Status of Transplant Programs
While the “member not in good standing” designation applied specifically to the hospital’s transplant programs, Memorial Hermann’s heart and lung transplant programs continued to operate normally throughout the period of suspension [Click2Houston]. Memorial Hermann has stated its intention to restart its abdominal transplant programs in the near future [Click2Houston].