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A summary of the one hundred and twelfth meeting of the
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority on 26th October 2001

Matters arising from the minutes of the September Authority meeting

Members were informed that the HGC/HFEA PGD report would be disseminated shortly and would be posted on the website. The Full Business Case for the Register had been circulated to Members. The Chief Executive provided a brief presentation on the proposed full business case for the Register. Members agreed to support the proposed strategy and the submission of the full business case to the Department of Health. Members were informed that the full Organisation Business Case was being drafted and would a present new corporate structure for the organisation reflecting its needs. Members noted that a draft would be presented to them for consideration at the November meeting of the Authority.

Chairman's Business

There was no business under this agenda item.

Transfer of correspondence by e-mail: Security Implications

This paper explained that there were concerns about emails being sent to Members at their work email addresses that contain sensitive information. Members noted that many email addresses were not secure and could be accessed by persons other than the Member to whom the information was addressed. Members agreed that the Executive should look this issue and develop a policy that the Executive staff could adopt.

Applications for introduction of new techniques: handling issues

This paper explained that the Authority needed to make some general decisions about the continued need to licence new technologies. The technologies of particular concern were PGD for aneuploidy screening, PGD for HLA tissue typing and stem cell research. Members were reminded that there were expectations on the part of the applicants for the HFEA to process the applications. It was agreed that, if the HFEA decided to take the licensing of new techniques forward under interim guidance it should be clear that this was what the Authority was doing.

Chief Executive's Business

The Chief Executive updated Members on the Full Business Case for the Register and of future billing proposals; changes in staffing; the work of the external consultants Health Quality Service, and issues surrounding the investigation of the Hampshire clinics.

Reports from Committees and Working Groups

Reports were presented from a meeting of the Organisation and Fees Committee. The OFC reported on discussions on the revised fees system, the two business cases and the bi-annual report on the HFEA's accounts.

Any Other Business

Members were informed that the winter supply bid had been successful and the HFEA would be receiving additional funds from the Department of Health.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Authority would be on Thursday 29th November 2001 at 2pm.

Page last updated: 24 October 2011

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