Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) was established under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act in August 1991 to assure patients and the wider public that research and treatment undertaken in the field of assisted reproduction is conducted at the highest standards and with a robust ethical framework.

The Authority's key responsibility is the licensing and monitoring of clinics and centres in the United Kingdom carrying out in vitro fertilisation, donor insemination and human embryo research.

The GMC and HFEA work together through on-going exchange of information and co-ordination of activity and/or as a result of specific concerns either organisation would like to raise with the other.

The following areas are covered in this agreement:

• Referring issues from the HFEA to the GMC or vice versa
• Investigations and inquiries relevant to both bodies' functions
• Confidentiality
• Communication Issues
• Reconciliation of disagreement

This agreement has been in place since December 2004.