Black kidney transplant patients may join class action over race-based scoring

The litigation, Randall v. United Network for Organ Sharing, contends that a controversial race-based coefficient artificially inflated the eGFR scores of Black patients, making their kidney function appear healthier than it was. Plaintiffs argue this practice caused significant delays in securing spots on the national transplant waitlist and resulted in missed opportunities for donor organs. The suit seeks damages of at least $4,000 for each alleged instance of discrimination.

Defendants UNOS and Cedars-Sinai maintain that their medical protocols were implemented in the best interest of patients and deny any violation of California law. The court has granted class action status to two specific groups: Black kidney disease patients at California transplant hospitals and those specifically registered at Cedars-Sinai who experienced wait-time accrual delays due to the race-conscious calculation. Individuals who believe they qualify have until October 15, 2026, to opt out of the proceedings if they wish to pursue separate legal action. Otherwise, class members will be bound by the court’s eventual ruling. Legal counsel Matthew L. Venezia has been appointed to represent the classes, with further details available at www.eGFRClassAction.com.