Post Mortem
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, mortuaries where post-mortem examinations take place are licensed and inspected by the HTA. We help mortuaries improve the standard of care they provide, so the public can have confidence that deceased people are treated with dignity and respect.
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Please note that the HTA does not license post mortem establishments in Scotland. Information about regulation in Scotland is provided by Health Scotland.
We also provide publicly-available advice and information so that bereaved families can make decisions about what should happen to organs and tissue samples removed during a post mortem examination for further examination, after the cause of death has been ascertained. In regulating post mortem examination, we work closely with pathologists. However, we do not regulate their professional practice. We also maintain close links with coroners, who fall outside the scope of our regulatory activity.
Updated on
11 Apr, 2026
Codes of Practice
Here you can find our Codes of Practice, practical guidance to professions carrying out activities we regulate.
Updated on
08 Jun, 2026
Post-mortem licensing standards and guidance
This guidance helps licensed establishments to meet the HTA’s post-mortem licensing standards. The guidance covers guidance on consent, governance, premises,...
Updated on
01 Oct, 2025
Guidance on storage of bodies
This section provide guidance on storage
Updated on
05 Mar, 2025
Guidance on Mortuary Audits
The HTA licensing standards on governance and quality systems reinforces the importance of continuous service improvement through audit. A robust audit schedu...
Updated on
01 Oct, 2025
Reportable Incidents in the post mortem sector
Guidance on reporting and incidents
Updated on
08 Jun, 2026
Use of CT post-mortem examinations
This policy statement sets out the HTA’s position on the use of CT (computer tomography) post-mortem examinations. It has been developed as a result of techno...
Updated on
09 Jun, 2026
Paediatric and pregnancy remains: Guidance and procedures
Guidance on the handling of pregnancy remains and those of children.
Updated on
02 Oct, 2025
Consent in the post mortem sector
Guidance on consent in relation to post mortems
Updated on
01 Oct, 2025
Provision of forensic pathology services following regulatory action
The HTA has updated its protocol to ensure the provision of forensic pathology services in the event of regulatory action taken in England and Wales.
The p...
Updated on
17 May, 2026
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
12 May, 2025
Filming or photographing a post-mortem
Guidance on filming or taking photographs within a mortuary setting.
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