Consent underpins the Human Tissue Act (2004) (HT Act). This section explains the consent exemptions from the Act.
Consent underpins the Human Tissue Act (2004) (HT Act). This section explains the consent exemptions from the Act.
This position statement outlines guidance provided on consent for post-mortem examination and tissue retention.
The HTA has produced a model consent form for professionals seeking consent for an adult or child's post mortem. There is also guidance for the families of the deceased.
For some purposes, including post mortem examinations, appropriate consent can be given by someone in a ‘qualifying relationship’ to the deceased immediately before their death. Please see further details in the Codes of Practice for each sector.
Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, have developed model consent forms, information and guidance for health professionals seeking consent for post mortems on babies who have died before, during or shortly after birth.
Links
[1] https://www.hta.gov.uk/policies/consent-exemptions-under-human-tissue-act-2004
[2] https://www.hta.gov.uk/policies/consent-post-mortem-examination-and-tissue-retention-under-human-tissue-act-2004
[3] https://www.hta.gov.uk/policies/post-mortem-model-consent-forms
[4] https://www.hta.gov.uk/policies/qualifying-relationships
[5] https://www.hta.gov.uk/policies/sands-perinatal-post-mortem-consent-package