Eighth Edition - R.3 - Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority

HFEA guidance (cont)
3.8 The counselling service should comply with current professional guidance on good practice
in infertility counselling. Counselling should be provided only by qualified counsellors.
See also guidance note:
2 – Staff
3.9 Counselling should be available from a counsellor attached to the centre. If this is not possible or if the
patient prefers to seek counselling elsewhere, the centre should provide:
(a)
up-to-date lists of local counsellors, with the types of counselling they offer, and
(b)
organisations that can provide relevant information.
3.10 The centre should ensure that arrangements are in place to provide, or refer people for, specialist
counselling if appropriate, taking account of their duty of confidentiality under the HFE Act. This might
include genetic counselling, and counselling for oncology patients or others requiring the long-term
storage of gametes or embryos.
3.11 The centre should ensure that counselling facilities provide quiet and comfortable surroundings for private,
confidential and uninterrupted sessions.
Counselling records and confidentiality
3.12 Information obtained during counselling should be confidential (although it may be disclosed in certain
circumstances, for example if it gives rise to concerns about the suitability of a person to donate
gametes or to receive treatment). The written records of the professional counsellor should be kept
in a secure place.
See also guidance note:
30 – Confidentiality and privacy
Other legislation, professional guidelines and information
BICA Guidelines for Good Practice in Infertility Counselling (2008) – www.bica.net
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
Guidance note | 3. Counselling
Version 1.0