The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) has issued its first licences under the Human Tissue Act. These licences will ensure that tissue such as heart valves, corneas and skin are stored in a safe way for the treatment of patients.
The HTA was set up under the Human Tissue Act to regulate the removal, use and disposal of human tissue and organs. Consent is central to the Act and is the cornerstone of the HTA's regulatory system, which is designed to give confidence to professionals, patients and their families.
Establishments storing human tissue for therapeutic use are the first sector to be licensed by the HTA as part of the UK's requirement to comply with the EU Tissue and Cells Directive. All other relevant sectors will need to be licensed from 1 September.