HFEA to consult on regulation
01 July 2002
Today, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is issuing a consultation document explaining how it intends to improve the regulation of infertility services in the UK, and what the cost of this will be for patients and clinics.
The HFEA was established in 1991. Its statutory regulatory responsibilities include: the licensing of infertility clinics and research centres, regular inspections of licensed premises, the investigation of adverse incidents, the registration of data about IVF cycles and the provision of information.
In the last decade, the number of patients seeking infertility treatment has increased significantly. Between 1992 and 2000, the number of treatment cycles involving either IVF or the use of donor sperm, both of which are regulated by the HFEA, rose from approximately 28,000 to almost 44,000. Government and public expectations of regulation have also increased dramatically during this period, yet the budget of the HFEA has remained constant at £1 million to £1.5 million.
A review of the HFEA's activities has confirmed that resource and staffing levels are no longer adequate. The required improvements require the HFEA to increase its budget to about £4 million. It is Government policy that the costs of regulation must be met by those being regulated.
Traditionally, income to meet the costs of HFEA regulation has been derived from fees levied to patients for each cycle of treatment. Currently the HFEA fee per cycle of IVF is small (£40) relative to the cost a patient might expect to pay for treatment (£1,200 plus drugs costs). However, under this system patients bear the costs of a raft of regulatory functions that do not relate directly to their care – for example those concerning research or the investigation of adverse incidents. The HFEA must increase its fees but wishes to devise a new fee structure that is more equitable. The consultation document explores a new system of fees that shifts the balance of fees away from individual patients and on to the clinics that provide the service.
HFEA chair, Suzi Leather said:
‘The HFEA has managed its first decade as a low cost organisation with a limited infrastructure. The budget has remained at the same level since the organisation was established in 1991 and is no longer adequate to provide the level of service that patients and service providers deserve and need.'
Ends
Notes to editors
For furthur information please contact the HFEA press office.
Page last updated: 13 March 2009