HTA publishes position statement on extending existing licences to cover the removal of tissue from the deceased for research

The HTA has published a statement on extending existing licences to cover the removal of tissue from the deceased for research.

Issue date: 9 November 2011

The Human Tissue Act 2004 requires that the removal of tissue from the deceased for research within the scope of the Act must always be licensed, on specified premises, and that specific minimum requirements are met. 90% of establishments in the post mortem sector hold the appropriate removal licence that for example would enable a person who wishes to remove relevant material from a deceased organ donor for the “research ‘in connection with disorders, or the functioning, of the human body’. The HTA has highlighted the options available to establishments to empower Designated Individuals to take appropriate action.

The HTA has been working with individual establishments to extend existing removal licences where there is a local need. We have worked with transplant professionals, the Department of Health and partner organisations to identify and evaluate possible options within the legal framework. Extending existing licences is the swiftest and most light touch approach we can take while we explore options, which include the possible introduction of a new type of licence specifically for the removal of tissue from the deceased.

Designated Individuals (DIs) who wish to extend their removal licence can request an extension by writing to the HTA, via licensing.enquiries@hta.gov.uk

More information about licensing is available on our website.