Ky. nonprofit pushed for organ donation procedures despite signs of life, federal investigation finds

RICHMOND, Ky. (WKYT/Lexington Herald-Leader) - A federal investigation has found that a Kentucky nonprofit pushed for organ donation procedures despite signs of life in patients, according to a report from the New York Times.

The findings are the result of a four-year investigation by the Health Resources and Services Administration into Network for Hope, formerly Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates, the primary organization that facilitates organ and tissue donation in Kentucky.

The New York Times reports that dozens of cases were found where investigators determined that the process should have been stopped sooner.

Among the main findings of the investigation were that Network for Hope employees:

• Pushed hospital staff to proceed with organ donation procedures despite obvious signs of life.
• Improperly took over cases from doctors.
• Pressured families to proceed with organ donations for their loved ones.
• Some did not recognize the effects of sedation, sometimes masking a patient’s true condition.

One case covered by WKYT in October 2024 involved a doctor walking out after a patient, TJ Hoover, showed signs of life just before the organ retrieval procedure, according to a whistleblower.

Following WKYT’s reporting, Network for Hope sent a statement, saying in part, that they have procedures in place that strictly determine when organ donation is acceptable and steps to adhere to if the family decides to withdraw life-sustaining medical treatment for their loved one.”

The New York Times reports that Hoover’s case is being investigated by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman.

According to the New York Times, Network for Hope must now conduct neurological assessments on potential organ donors every 12 hours and increase staff training as a result of the investigation.