Website of the Department of Health

Families and post mortems: a code of practice

This code (now superseded) set out standards of practice for NHS Trusts and others in communications with families about hospital and coroners' post mortems. It was an interim measure pending new legislation.

February 2007:

The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) has been set up to regulate the removal, storage, use and disposal of human bodies, organs and tissues for a number of scheduled purposes including determining the cause of death.  The HTA is responsible for giving advice and guidance on the Human Tissue Act (2004).  It has issued codes of practice to give practical guidance and lay down the standards expected by those carrying out activities which lie within the HTA's remit.

The HTA Code of Practice on Post Mortem Examination updates and replaces Families and post mortems : a code of practice (and related information leaflets and forms) produced by the Department of Health in April 2003

• Human Tissue Authority codes of practice (opens new window)
• Download 2003 code of practice - SUPERSEDED (PDF, 200K)