Government considers future of HFEA and HTA
29 June 2012 15:17 in Medical Government/ NHS related news
The government has launched a consultation to assess the pros and cons of scrapping the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and Human Tissue Authority (HTA).
Opinions from across the UK are being solicited on the potential transfer of the majority of these organisations' responsibilities to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), after which point the HFEA and HTA would be scrapped.
Under these plans, HFEA functions relating to research would pass to the Health Research Authority, while the government is also considering the idea of retaining the two bodies in a new, more efficient form.
The proposals come as part of wider efforts by the Department of Health to cut NHS administrative costs, which will partly be achieved by reducing the overall number of organisations and streamlining functions.
Health minister Lord Howe said: "By making sure that the right functions are being carried out at the appropriate level, we will free up savings to support frontline NHS services."
A drive to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy is a key element of the NHS reform plans outlined in the Health and Social Care Act, which was granted Royal Assent in March 2012.
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