Regulatory overlaps
HFEA-CQC regulatory overlap
In general terms, an estimated 50% of centres currently licensed by HFEA do not fall within the regulatory remit of the CQC.
- 30% of HFEA licensed centres are either outside of the CQC’s geographical remit or are research or private centres in England that do not carry out activities requiring CQC registration, and;
- 20% of HFEA licensed centres are exempt from the requirement to register with the CQC as their activities are limited to those licensed by the HFEA and exempted from the requirements of CQC registration as a result. These centres provide either IUI treatment with partner or donor sperm, or are storage only centres.
The remaining HFEA licensed centres provide more complex fertility treatments that involve some surgical procedures (egg collection for example), which bring them within the remit of CQC registration. We are working with the CQC to explore how the regulatory overlap resulting from this requirement can be minimised.
HFEA-HTA regulatory overlap
Both the HFEA and HTA have a UK wide remit. A very small number of centres doing research that aims to develop stem cells for human application and centres storing ovarian or testicular tissue intended for transplantation are licensed by both the HTA and HFEA. Only 6% of HFEA licensed facilities are affected by this regulatory overlap. The HFEA and HTA plan to inspect these centres jointly to minimise the impact of regulation
Page last updated: 02 January 2013