On Friday, January 24, 2025, all seven Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) announced a delay in implementing final skin substitute Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs). Initially set to take effect on February 12, 2025, the implementation date has been postponed to April 13, 2025.

In light of recent regulatory developments, it is essential for stakeholders in the tissue banking community to stay informed about potential changes to FDA guidance documents.

On January 6, 2025, the FDA released six guidance documents, including two final documents: Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of Transmission of Disease Agents Associated with Sepsis by HCT/Ps (Sepsis guidance) and Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) by HCT/Ps (Mtb guidance).

AATB has led the drafting of a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services Transition Team for President-elect Donald Trump, joined by AOPO and EBAA, to urge the immediate rescission of two FDA guidance documents released on January 6, 2025.

On January 6, 2025, the FDA published 6 guidance documents that will affect AATB tissue establishments.

National Minority Donor Awareness Month is a collaborative initiative of the National (Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation) Multicultural Action Group (NMAG)—AATB, AMAT, AOPO, DLA, EBAA, HRSA, MOTTEP & NKF to save and improve the quality of life of diverse communities by creating a positive culture for organ, eye, and tissue donation.

In an effort led by the Eye Bank Association of America, the American Association of Tissue Banks, the Eye Bank Association of America, and the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations are partnering together to offer members an opportunity to access the FranklinCovey training library for a low discounted rate.