Post Mortems

Question put forward to the Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health) regarding Post Mortems.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Can the Minister for Health advise -

I. What measures has the Government taken to ensure that family concerns, as raised in the debate on the Transplantation and Anatomy (Post Mortem Examinations) Amendment Bill 2005, are fully addressed?

II. When will the consent forms be finalised and proclaimed?

III. Has the language in relation to the references to body parts been unified throughout the forms?

IV. What amendments have been made to the consent forms to provide families and next-of-kin with the maximum authority in making the decision regarding the retention of body parts?

V. Do all consent forms fully comply with the National Code of Ethical Autopsy Practice as endorsed by the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council?

Answer (15 MARCH 2007)

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health): The Minister for Health has advised that: I. In response to the concerns raised during debate on the Bill in 2005, extensive consultation has occurred in relation to the content of consent to non-coronial autopsy forms. A consultation committee was established and the following stakeholders have been involved in the drafting of the consent forms:

• Consumers

• Australian Medical Association

• Southern Cross Bioethics Institute

• Royal Australian College of Pathologists

• South Australian Organ Donation Agency

• Member for Playford

• Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace

• Adult and children pathology services

• Department of Health

• Paediatric physician

• Chair, Renal Transplant Advisory Committee of the Australasian Society of Nephrology

II. It is expected that the consent forms and Amendment Act will be proclaimed early this year.

III. The language in the consent forms and guidelines is unified.

IV. The consent forms provide families and next-of-kin with the maximum authority regarding the retention of body parts as is permitted by the Act and the National Code of Ethical Autopsy Practice.

V. All forms and guidelines conform with the National Code of Ethical Autopsy Practice.