Information for assisted reproductive technology clinics

Licensed fertility providers are required to:

• ensure compliance with the Human Reproductive Technology Act 1991 (external site), Human Reproductive Technology Regulations 1993 (external site) and Human Reproductive Technology Directions 2021 (external site), including provisions around:
  • consent;
  • counselling;
  • access to treatment;
  • family limits;
  • storage and time limits;
  • providing information to the Department of Health Reproductive Technology Treatment Registers;
  • prohibitions on commercial donation and surrogacy;
• comply with the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (RTAC) Code of Practice for Assisted Reproductive Technology Units (external site) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ethical Guidelines for Assisted Reproductive Technology in Clinical Practice and Research (external site);
• provide copies of patient information and consent forms to the Reproductive Technology Council (external site) for review;
• provide information to the Department of Health Reproductive Technology Treatment Registers;
• maintain clinical and laboratory protocols in a manual to be provided to the Reproductive Technology Council for approval;
• seek approval for:
  • any innovative clinical or laboratory procedures;
  • research, other than a project that requires an NHMRC licence; or
  • diagnostic procedures involving embryos;
• provide a copy of an annual report and annual RTAC audit report to the Chief Executive Officer of Health;
• report adverse events and changes in corporate structure or viability to the Chief Executive Officer of Health.

Please contact the Reproductive Technology Unit if you would like information on opening a new clinic or obtaining a new Licence.