Part 2Regulation of activities involving human tissue

Codes of practice

26Preparation of codes

1

The Authority may prepare and issue codes of practice for the purpose of—

a

giving practical guidance to persons carrying on activities within its remit, and

b

laying down the standards expected in relation to the carrying-on of such activities.

2

The Authority shall deal under subsection (1) with the following matters—

a

the carrying-out of anatomical examinations;

b

the storage of anatomical specimens;

c

the storage and disposal of former anatomical specimens;

d

the definition of death for the purposes of this Act;

e

communication with the family of the deceased in relation to the making of a post-mortem examination;

f

the making of post-mortem examinations;

g

communication with the family of the deceased in relation to the removal from the body of the deceased, for use for a scheduled purpose, of any relevant material of which the body consists or which it contains;

h

the removal from a human body, for use for a scheduled purpose, of any relevant material of which the body consists or which it contains;

i

the storage for use for a scheduled purpose, and the use for such a purpose, of—

i

the body of a deceased person, or

ii

relevant material which has come from a human body;

j

the storage for use for a scheduled purpose, and the use for such a purpose, of an existing holding within the meaning of section 9;

k

the import, and the export, of—

i

the body of a deceased person, or

ii

relevant material which has come from a human body,

for use for a scheduled purpose;

l

the disposal of relevant material which—

i

has been removed from a human body for use for a scheduled purpose, or

ii

has come from a human body and is an existing holding for the purposes of section 9.

3

In dealing under subsection (1) with the matters mentioned in subsection (2)(h) and (i), the Authority shall, in particular, deal with consent.

4

The Authority shall—

a

keep any code of practice under this section under review, and

b

prepare a revised code of practice when appropriate.

5

Before preparing a code of practice under this section, the Authority shall—

a

consult such persons as it considers appropriate,

b

if the code of practice relates to Wales, consult the National Assembly for Wales, and

c

if the code of practice relates to Northern Ireland, consult the relevant Northern Ireland department.

6

The Authority shall publish a code of practice issued under this section in such way as, in its opinion, is likely to bring it to the attention of those interested.

7

A code of practice issued under this section shall come into effect on such day as may be appointed by directions.

8

Codes of practice under this section may make different provision in relation to England, Wales and Northern Ireland respectively.