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A summary of the one hundred and twenty fifth meeting of the
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority on 20 March 2003

Matter arising from the February meeting

The minutes from the February 2003 meeting were approved with some minor amendments.

Chairman's Report

The Chair noted the House of Lords decision that embryos created from cell nuclear replacement came within the definition of `embryo' in the HFEA Act and accordingly are subject to regulation by the HFEA.

The Chair proposed that egg sharing could be considered as a topic for a public meeting as this issue becomes of increasing interest to clinicians, patients and the media. It was agreed that it would be timely to continue to monitor the issue, and the HFEA Executive was asked to conduct a review of all current guidance and evidence relating to the practice of egg sharing.

It was agreed that it would be useful to establish a small group to review how the outcomes of treatment data is presented in HFEA publications. This group will include clinicians, a nurse and also a representative from a patient support group as an observer.

Chief Executive's Report

The Chief Executive reported that the development of a new HFEA website was well under way and that the new website would be launched in June. This website will include limited access areas for HFEA licensed centres to receive regular updates and technical advice from the HFEA.

The Chief Executive indicated that talks are already underway with the General Medical Council about a memorandum of agreement setting out roles and responsibilities and sharing of information. Talks are also taking place with the Health Professions Council on the registration of clinical scientists.

Minimum Data Sets

A paper on the HFEA Minimum Data Set was presented to the Authority. The report detailed the 140 items of data that are currently collected. The Authority agreed that clear parameters on what data the HFEA should be requesting need to be established and that any minimum data sets must cover the statutory minimum required by the HFE Act. Draft minimum data sets will be reviewed by stakeholders and the Authority in the coming months.

Consent Forms

The Authority agreed that the current consent forms should be updated to bring them into line with national standard patient consent forms. In addition it was agreed that the existing forms should be amended to clarify the time limits for the storage of embryos.

European Tissue Directive

The current status of the Human Organ And Tissue Bill and European Tissue Directive was discussed. The European Union's plan is to introduce the Directive in 2004 and to implement it in 2005. Current indications are that mature gametes and embryos will be included within the Directive and that the HFEA will be recognised as the responsible authority to regulate to UK clinics. The Department of Health have arranged to write to all clinics to provide information on likely developments relating to this Directive and the implications for clinics concerning existing and new EU standards relating to clinical practice.

Corporate Plan

The Authority confirmed support for a new HFEA draft Corporate Plan which will be further discussed at the next Authority meeting.

Date of the next meeting

The date of the next full Authority meeting is 15 May 2003.

Page last updated: 24 October 2011

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