January 2003

A summary of the one hundred and twenty third meeting of the
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority on 16 January 2003

Matter arising from the November meeting

The minutes of the November 2002 meeting were approved with some minor amendments.

It was reported that a preliminary meeting had now taken place between the HFEA and a representative of the Association of Clinical Embryologists to discuss the improvement of laboratory practices and the setting of `best practice' standards. Since the HFEA is in the process of producing a new version of its Manual for Clinics, there was discussion about how these two projects could be combined.

Other organisations' best practice standards were also discussed.

It was reported that a workshop had been held on 14th January to define precisely when a cycle should be reportable and when it should be billed. The decision was made that:

a) a cycle was to be recorded from intention to treat

b) the billing process commenced at egg retrieval

Fees would not be payable for cycles that were abandoned prior to egg retrieval, nor when egg retrieval was attempted by no eggs were retrieved

These definitions are consistent with those used in other European countries and the USA, and so will allow data to be compared.

It was noted that Primary Care Trusts define cycles in a variety of ways and it was agreed that when the HFEA had developed a more comprehensive set of decisions, PCTs and licensed centres should receive written confirmation of the Authority's definitions to establish national consistency.

It was noted that the HFEA's annual meeting would be held at the Royal Society of Medicine on 28th January. There had been some confusion as to whether Patient Groups should be charged an attendance fee, and it was confirmed that arrangements would be the same as for previous conferences.

Discussions were had on amendments to the Sixth Edition of the HFEA Code of Practice on several issues, including those relating to:

  • Withdrawal of consent from one party to the storage of frozen embryos
  • The maximum number of embryos that should be transferred

Chairman's Report

The Chair reported that concerns had been expressed to her about the absence of an upper age limit for licensed treatments, following reports of a pregnancy achieved by a 58 year woman. It was confirmed that no upper age limit is given by either the HFE Act or the Code of Practice. The meeting discussed the manner in which different clinics interpret their responsibilities towards children, and the scope of the welfare of the child assessment. The Chair also indicated that a seminar should be organised to address issues relating to the welfare of the child.

Chief Executive's Report

The Chief Executive introduced the new HFEA Interim Director of Finance, and advised Members of the timetable for the recruitment of other director posts within the HFEA.

The Chief Executive presented a draft framework and aims and objectives of a new HFEA five year strategic plan. It was agreed that further discussion about details of this new strategic plan would be discussed at the next Authority meeting. The Chief Executive also presented draft performance indicators that would be incorporated into the future work of the HFEA. There was also discussion about the new structure of HFEA Committees which will be presented at the Authority meeting in March 2003.

Members were eager to receive more information about the future structure of the HFEA but welcomed the HFEA Executive's approach to the current and future needs and expectations of the HFEA.

Corporate Governance Issues

The HFEA's management statement was agreed and would be placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Standing Financial Instructions were also approved.

A paper clarifying the Authority's approach to conflict of interest issues was also approved.

A paper setting out the terms and standing orders of the Authority's committee structures would be presented at the March Authority meeting.

Legal issues

Hampshire
It was proposed that members of the Executive should meet with representatives from the Clinic and NHS Trust to discuss a proposed strategy for managing the communication with patients involved. This strategy would be confirmed with Members of the relevant Licence committee.

CORE judicial review
It was reported that an appeal by the HFEA against the finding of the judicial review was being made.

Other Business

Transparency in relation to Licence Committee membership
A Person Responsible had requested that the names of members of a Licence Committee that would hear an application by his centre should be made available to him. He had been assured that the Authority makes certain that there is no conflict of interest among its members and that there is a process of appeal. The Executive had not provided the names of the Committee members prior to the Licence Committee, and sought the views of the Authority on the principle.

It was noted that some other public bodies published the names of Committee members but only after a Committee had met and made its decision. In this way no pressure could be brought to bear on Committee members so as to attempt to influence any decision.

The Authority agreed that as part of its plans this coming year to make licence decisions public and that the names of the Licence Committee members would also be stated after the Committee. This will take effect later this year.

NHS Confederation Membership

It was agreed that the HFEA would become a member of the NHS Confederation in order to work more closely with the NHS.

Date of the next meeting

The date of the next Authority meeting is 20 February 2003 and the venue will be the Royal Society of Medicine.

Page last updated: 24 October 2011