Anatomy
The HTA licenses establishments in the anatomy sector to provide assurance to the public that bodies or tissue from the deceased are given with proper consent, and are used appropriately. As the regulator, the HTA cannot promote body donation but we do provide the public with support and information about body donation.
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People must decide, and provide written and witnessed consent before they die, if they would like to donate their bodies to medical science. Information about regulation in Scotland is provided by Health Scotland.
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Updated on
11 Mar, 2025
Codes of Practice
Here you can find our Codes of Practice, practical guidance to professions carrying out activities we regulate.
Updated on
28 Oct, 2025
Anatomy Licensing Standards and Guidance
This guidance is to help licensed establishments to meet the HTA’s licensing standards.
Updated on
28 Oct, 2025
Acceptance of donor consent for anatomical examination
Advice on accepting consent given by potential donors.
Updated on
28 Oct, 2025
Improving body donation information to support informed consent
Advice on how establishments can improve their body donation information.
Updated on
29 Sep, 2025
Model consent forms for anatomy schools
This page contains model consent forms, bequeathal booklet and a donor card template for HTA licensed anatomy schools
Updated on
28 Oct, 2025
Storage of human material for teaching by schools and colleges
Advice for schools and colleges using human material for use in teaching.
Updated on
28 Oct, 2025
Sale of bodies, body parts and tissue policy
Advice for those involved in the sale or purchase of human bodies, body parts or tissue.
Updated on
11 Oct, 2023
Filming or photographing of bodies or body parts that have been donated
This guidance is for anyone considering filming or taking photographs of a body or body parts donated to a medical school or surgical training centre, or acti...
Updated on
27 Sep, 2024
Consent exemptions under the Human Tissue Act 2004
This section explains the consent exemptions from the Human Tissue Act (2004) (HT Act).
Updated on
25 Jan, 2024
Disposal of anatomical specimens
Disposal of relevant material is one of the statutory activities within the remit of the Human Tissue Authority (HTA). However, the Human Tissue Act 2004 (HT...