Guidance on Body Storage
The HTA licensing standards on governance and quality systems and premises, facilities and equipment reinforce that the dignity of the deceased is essential and maintained.
Post mortem
Innovation in regulation – the start of a critical conversation
Earlier this year the Minister for Innovation laid out a challenge to health regulators, the Professional Standards Authority, NICE and NHSX during an unprecedented roundtable. If the post-Brexit ambition, as outlined in the government’s Life Sciences Vision, is to provide a world-class regulatory environment that benefits patients and the public while also promoting jobs, growth, and investment, how do we collectively
Regulatory alerts
Read through the latest regulatory alerts and updates issued by the HTA.
HTA-licensed establishments and Designated Individuals in the Post Mortem sector
The HTA was asked to provide a list of Designated Individuals and establishments licensed in the Post Mortem sector.
HTA Reportable Incidents in mortuaries
The HTA was asked to provide information on HTA Reportable Incidents in mortuaries.
11 November 2020 - Request for a list of establishments holding a Post Mortem licence between 1 January 2019 and the 31 December 2019
The HTA received a request for a list of all of the establishments that held a licence at any time between the 1st of January 2019 and the 31st of December 2019 for the making of a post mortem examination.
Management and traceability of tissue samples retained by independent pathologists
There are several situations where independent pathologists attend HTA-licensed establishments to carry out post-mortem (PM) examinations. Visiting pathologists sometimes take or send PM tissue away from the originating establishment for laboratory processing and or analyses. When the laboratory analyses are complete, independent pathologists sometimes store PM tissue on their own premises whilst they await the receipt of disposal instructions from the coroner or police.
Removal of relevant material from deceased children in sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood
Samples may be obtained from deceased infants and children in cases of sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood (SUDIC), in line with national protocols. This practice may take place in Accident and Emergency departments and other areas of a hospital, for example in special care baby units and paediatric wards.
This policy describes the consent and licensing requirements under the Human Tissue Act (HT Act) for removal of relevant material from the deceased, in these cases.
HTA Legislation: Powers, Consent and Licensing
This page provides a summary of the key pieces of legislation, licensing frameworks, and a brief overview of responsibilities for Designated Individuals (DIs), Named Contacts (ODT sector only), Persons Designated (PDs) and Licence Holders.
Guidance for transplant teams and Independent Assessors
Clinicians and transplant teams are responsible for the overall care of donors and recipients, and for assessing the medical suitability of potential donors. The Regulations require the clinician with responsibility for the donor to refer the matter to the HTA. As part of this referral specific information, certain assurances are required to ensure the legislative requirements are addressed.