HTA/independent assessment

Current UK legislation requires all donor/recipient pairs to attend a meeting with an Independent Assessor (IA). In England, Northern Ireland and Wales organ donation from living donors is regulated by the Human Tissue Act 2004.

The IA will interview the donor and recipient and then write a report. This part of the process is to ensure that the donor and recipient have been thoroughly assessed and understand what is involved in giving and receiving an organ. The IA must be satisfied that the donor is not under any pressure to donate and give their consent freely and voluntarily. The IA will make a judgement about the nature of the relationship between the donor and the recipient, and the motivation to donate. The IA must ensure that there is a legitimate relationship between donor and recipient and that there is no financial or other incentive.