Joint public policy on legislative and regulatory affairs1 1Adopted by the ASBMT Executive Committee on August 21, 2003, and by the policy committees and/or governing boards of the other five organizations during the period of August-December 2003.

Abstract

<h2>Abstract</h2> Blood and marrow transplantation is a cellular therapy that encompasses the collection, processing, and infusion of hematopoietic progenitor cells derived from peripheral blood, cord blood, and bone marrow. The field is represented by several national and international organizations that have the common purpose of achieving the best possible outcomes of patient care and advancing knowledge and understanding in this highly specialized and rapidly evolving medical field. Although each organization has its own specific objectives, particular constituency, and priorities, all share a common set of values and beliefs. It is because of these shared values that the blood and marrow transplant community can set forth a unified agenda for public policy. The underlying principle and bedrock belief upon which all other positions are based is that … <i>Patients in need of a blood or marrow transplant and their transplant donors have a right to appropriate, high-quality medical care</i>. This principle is the foundation supporting the following corollary beliefs.