The UK Human Tissue Authority (HTA) has announced that its revised codes of practice came into force on 15 September.
The seven revised codes of practice relate to consent, transplantation, post-mortem examination, the donation of bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells, anatomical examination, disposal and public display.
In addition, a new code on research has been produced for those who store human tissue for research purposes.
The codes of practice provide guidance and lay down standards for each of the HTA's regulated sectors.
The revised codes are designed to support professionals by giving much more advice and guidance based on real-life experience.
The codes were approved by parliament in July 2009.
In late 2008, the HTA held a three-month public consultation on the revision of the codes of practice.
This consisted of an online consultation, supplemented by consultation workshops that were contributed to by delegates from across the sectors that the HTA regulates.
The online consultation received 179 responses from individuals and key organisations.
The codes will be available in an interactive format providing user-friendly online access, including links to other relevant issues and documents and a pop-up glossary.
