Tissue laws under ministry microscope

The Health Ministry is reviewing rules on the use of human tissue for therapy, research or education.

Its review will cover informed consent, the safety of tissue-based therapies, and the law on organ and tissue donations.

The ministry says regulation of human tissue-related issues is covered by several acts and regulations, some outdated.

Its deputy director-general in charge of policy, Dr Gillian Durham, said the review would provide the framework for new legislation.

"The review aims to have a comprehensive regulatory regime for tissue use that covers the use of tissue as a therapy - organ transplantation for example - and the use of tissue for non-therapeutic purposes such as research or education," Dr Durham said.

She said the law would cover new tissue-based therapies such as stem cell therapy.

The new legislation is expected to cover:

* Collection of tissue for therapeutic purposes.

* Organ and tissue donation.

* Consent for the collection of tissue for research and education.

* Consent for post-mortem examinations not involving a coroner.

* Definitions of who is able to give consent for tissue use on behalf of a deceased person.

* The sale and purchase of tissue.

* Controls on new tissue-based technologies while they are assessed for acceptability and safety.

* The collection of tissue for research and education.

Also raised in a discussion document prepared as part of the review was regulation and standards for tissue-based products and services.

It asks for comments on privacy and the use of genetic information.

Consultation workshops will be held in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, and hui will be held in April and May.

Submissions close on Friday, June 4, and can be mailed or made through the ministry's website.

- NZPA