Consent

The Human Tissue Act established the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) to regulate activities concerning the removal, storage, use and disposal of human tissue. This title offers guidance to professionals carrying out activities which lie within the HTA's remit. It includes case studies and examples.

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The Human Tissue Act 2004 (HT Act) covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The HT Act established the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) to regulate activities concerning the removal, storage, use and disposal of human tissue. This code of practice gives practical guidance to professionals carrying out activities which lie within the HTA's remit. They may also be of interest of members of the public. The code of practice is an updated version of the first edition of this publication, incorporating new material and revisions that reflect the HTA's experience of regulation. The code has been made more relevant to the sectors the HTA regulate by including case studies and examples; and has been restructured in a way that makes it more user-friendly. This code sets out guidance on the need for consent and addresses the closely related issues of communication and consultation with patients or other individuals which must support the consent process. The HTA has published seven other new editions of the codes of practice, details of which can be found below. The codes complement each other and should be read alongside other relevant advice and guidance.
This code on Consent replaces the previous code of practice. It has been approved by the Secretary of State following consultation with the Welsh Assembly Government and the Northern Ireland department, and it has received Parliamentary approval. The code is divided into two main sections: Consent - the fundamental principle and Consent requirements. The first section highlights the importance of consent and the second section of the code provides guidance on the requirement for consent and is divided into three easy parts for navigation: Part 1 - General provisions; Part 2 - Tissue from the deceased; and, Part 3 - Tissue from the living. This title includes contents such as: consent and the use of DNA; Fetal tissue; Appendix A - table setting out consent requirements under the HT Act for scheduled purposes; Appendix B - Table setting out when consent is required for different activities when it is recommended as good practice; and, Glossary.