Human Tissue: Ethical and Legal Issues
Chief Medical Officers Advice
Chief Medical Officers Advice
As a result of public concern, the CMO carried out a survey of organ retention throughout the UK and produced guidance on the removal, retention and use of human organs and tissue.
'The Removal, Retention and Use of Human Organs and Tissue from Post Mortem Examination. Advice from the Chief Medical Officer' (2001).
The Report was based on a survey of organ and tissue retained by pathology services and hospitals in 2000, and an investigation into consent, looking at how agreement had been obtained from relatives for this retention.
http://www.doh.gov.uk/genetics/acgt.htm
http://www.doh.gov.uk/genetics/gaic.htm
Recommendations included:
- Amendments to specific legislation including the Human Tissue Act (1961) and Coroners Rules (1984)
- Call for a broader review of law
- Introduction of a Code of Practice
- Introduction of standardised yet separate consent forms for post-mortems and retention of tissue or organs from these
- Establishment of independent oversight commission
The report also focussed on issues of consent, education and training. As a result of this report, the Retained Organs Commission was established on 1 April 2001.
For more information:
http://www.doh.gov.uk/genetics/acgt.htm
Last Updated Tue, 8 August 2006