FAQs about the Person Responsible

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What is a Person Responsible?

The HFE Act 1990 and the EU Tissues and Cells Directive (EUTCD) stipulated that every licensed clinic has to have a ‘Person Responsible’.

A Person Responsible is the individual who ensures the clinic complies with the requirements of the HFE Acts 1990 and 2008. They are responsible for both for the quality of service provided and the resolution of ethical issues involved in providing that service. 

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Will a new PR have an impact on my treatment?

Any changes to the Person Responsible at a centre need not affect which doctor or other clinical staff are providing treatment to an individual.

Regardless of who the Person Responsible is, they are the individual that ensures the clinic complies with the requirements of the HFE Act 1990 and are responsible for both for the quality of service provided and the ethical issues faced in providing that service.

The replacement Person Responsible is chosen based on a series of relevant qualifications and experience to ensure they are suitable for the role. Your treatment should not be affected by this changeover of staff.

It is not uncommon for Persons Responsible to change quite regularly and assume responsibility at the clinic. If you are feeling concerned about this, please contact your clinic directly. 

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What if I’m about to start treatment or I'm in the middle of treatment when the PR changes?

  • A change to the Person Responsible should have no effect on your treatment, as PRs change quite regularly, subject to the approval of a Licence Committee, and assume immediate responsibility at the clinic. 
  • The replacement Person Responsible is chosen based on relevant qualifications and experience to ensure they are suitable for the role. Your treatment should not be affected by this changeover of staff. 
  • If you are feeling concerned about this, please contact your clinic directly.

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Page last updated: 14 April 2009