Shandra Eisenga TB Study Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 30, 2026
Bottom line
This bill mandates a study by the Department of Health and Human Services to explore the development of a reliable tuberculosis test for cadaver tissue to enhance transplant safety and improve organ and tissue donation systems.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of developing an accurate and reliable standardized test for detecting tuberculosis in tissue from human cadavers. The study aims to improve donor screening, transplant safety, and the integrity of organ and tissue donation systems. It requires consultation with various federal health agencies and relevant stakeholders, and mandates a report to Congress detailing findings and recommendations.
Section 2(a)
Mandate for a Feasibility Study on Tuberculosis Testing in Cadaver Tissue
This provision directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study within two years of the bill's enactment. The study's primary objective is to determine the feasibility of creating an accurate and reliable standardized test or testing strategy for detecting tuberculosis in tissue from human cadavers. The ultimate goal is to enhance the safety of organ and tissue donations, improve donor screening processes, and bolster the overall integrity of organ and tissue donation systems across the nation.
Section 2(b)
Consultation Requirements for the Study
This subsection specifies that the Secretary of Health and Human Services must consult with several key federal health agencies and relevant stakeholders while conducting the study mandated by the bill. These entities include the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, as well as various organizations involved in tissue and organ donations and post-mortem systems. This broad consultation ensures that a wide range of scientific, medical, and operational expertise informs the study's design and findings.
Section 2(d)
Report to Congress on Study Findings and Recommendations
This provision requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within three years of the bill's enactment. The report must detail all findings and conclusions derived from the feasibility study on tuberculosis testing in cadaver tissue. Furthermore, it must include concrete recommendations for developing and implementing such a test, along with identifying any necessary congressional or regulatory actions required to address potential barriers to its successful development or widespread implementation.