The Role of Accreditation Committees in Oocyte Donation

Abstract

The formation of the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee of the Fertility Society of Australia is recorded. In the three Australian States that have legislated in respect of reproductive technology, the role of the Committee has been recognized and, in two States, representatives of the State Authority join the Committee for the official visits to the clinics. Accreditation by the Committee is required before a licence to operate is issued. The Committee's modus operandi is described. Aspects of the Committee's discussions on oocyte donation are described. These include oocyte collection, categories of donors, payment or coercion of donors, matching and exclusion of donors, information and counselling of donors, prevention of infection in recipients and the technical aspects. Guidelines have been developed which, if not complied with, would lead to loss of accreditation. The advantages and disadvantages of voluntary regulation and of regulating practice by legislation are discussed briefly. The joint inspection arrangements already in place appear to be a practical solution.