Human Tissue Act 1985

Before – a senior available next of kin consents to the removal of tissue from the body of an affected deceased person; or a designated officer authorises the removal of tissue from the body of an affected deceased person; or a designated officer authorises the performance of a non-coronial autopsy of an affected deceased person – a coroner must have consented to the removal of the tissue or, as the case may be, the performance of the non-coronial autopsy.

However, before or after the death of an affected deceased person, a coroner may give a direction that his or her consent is not required under this section and, in that event, the deceased person is no longer an affected deceased person for the purposes of this Act.

A consent or direction by a coroner under this section – if the coroner makes the consent or direction orally, is to be confirmed in writing as soon as practicable; and may be on such conditions as are specified in the consent or direction.

Sections 24(3) and 26D do not apply in relation to an affected deceased person until a coroner has given his or her consent under subsection (1).