The UK's Human Tissue Authority (HTA) launches a consultation on a new code of practice - the first produced specifically for those who store human tissue for research
The consultation also covers another seven revised codes of practice including Consent and Disposal of human tissue.
The HTA regulates the storage of human tissue for research under the Human Tissue Act 2004 (HT Act) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The new code of practice on research provides advice and guidance for professionals on issues including the licensing and consent requirements for tissue from both the living and deceased.
Researchers can comment on any part of the codes, but the HTA will ask some specific questions including:.
Are the codes clear and comprehensible?.
We have intended to set out a broad framework of guidance rather than detailed prescription: have we succeeded?.
Have we distinguished clearly between what must be done and what is good practice.
Are the best practice examples helpful in illustrating key points in the guidance?.
The codes and full details of the consultation will be available on the HTA website (linked) from 1 August.
Adrian McNeil, chief executive of the HTA, said: "The HTA has been regulating the use of human tissue for almost two years, and we have learnt a huge amount during this time.
"We have rewritten our existing codes of practice, and created a new code for research, on the basis of our experience and the valuable feedback we have received from stakeholders.
"The next step is to get the views of the research community on our revised codes, and in particular on the new code on research.
"We want the comments of stakeholders so that we can make the codes as clear and useful as possible.
"Regulation in this area improves public confidence and will encourage more people to agree to donate tissue for research.
"We also know, from speaking to those we regulate, that regulation drives up standards in research which in turn is likely to lead to improved healthcare."
