HFEA and HTA to come under government review

The government has announced plans to review the functional effectiveness of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and Human Tissue Authority (HTA) in response to a recent consultation.

Industry stakeholders were asked to share their opinions on the future of the fertility and tissue regulators in June 2012, with the possibility of abolishing both bodies and transferring their functions to the Care Quality Commission among those considered.

Following the consultation, it has been decided that both organisations will be retained, with an independent review to commence in April 2013 on how they can carry out their regulatory and statutory safeguarding functions in a more efficient way.

Lessening the HFEA and HTA's burden of inspections, information collection and research approval process will be discussed, as will the principle of sharing back office functions to ensure more resources are directed towards specialist duties.

Public health minister Anna Soubry said: "We have listened to the views of those who responded to this consultation and it's clear further work is needed to ensure they offer taxpayers the best value."