Counselling Services Under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act
Frequently Asked Questions for the Public Consultation Document on AHR Counselling Services
- What is the purpose of this consultation?
- What does the Assisted Human Reproduction Act say regarding counselling?
- What issues are addressed in this paper?
- Who is invited to participate in this consultation?
- How can interested parties provide comments?
- How will Health Canada use the comments and information generated by the consultation document and what are the next steps?
- Are there going to be other consultations on counselling services before the regulations are final?
Q1: What is the purpose of this consultation?
A1: The purpose of this consultation is to seek input from interested parties on options for the regulation of counselling services under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHR Act). It is part of the mandate of Health Canada's Assisted Human Reproduction Implementation Office (AHRIO) to develop the policy for these regulations following consultations with Canadians. The options presented build on previous targeted consultations with counselling professionals, patients and IVF clinics.
Q2: What does the Assisted Human Reproduction Act say regarding counselling?
A2: Paragraph 14(2)(b) of the Act requires that, prior to accepting a donation of human reproductive material or of an in vitro embryo from a person, or accepting health reporting from a person, a licensee shall, to the extent required by regulations, make counselling services available to the person and ensure that the person receives them.
Q3: What issues are  addressed in this paper?
A3: The document provides background information on assisted human reproduction (AHR) counselling and presents considerations required in making regulations for AHR counselling. The document then examines policy options for the regulation of AHR counselling services including: when to provide counselling services, who should provide counselling services, issues to be covered in a counselling session and the responsibilities of licensees.
Q4: Who is invited to participate in this consultation?
A4: Individuals or groups who hold a particular interest in AHR and/or psychosocial counselling. The target audience would include counselling professionals, persons using assisted human reproduction services, management and personnel of AHR clinics and children born from AHR procedures.
Q5: How can interested parties provide comments?
A5: Interested parties will be able to provide comments for each policy option in the online workbook. These comments must be submitted by April 27, 2007.
Q6: How will Health Canada use the comments and information generated by the consultation document and what are the next steps?
A6: Health Canada will review and analyse the comments received from interested parties on the proposed policy options. Based on the input received, the next step will be to draft proposed regulations under section 14(2)(b) of the AHR Act.
Q7: Are there going to be other consultations on counselling services before the regulations are final?
A7: Proposed regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I which provides all interested Canadians with another opportunity to comment.
|
