The new Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART) Act 2008 came into effect on 1st January 2010. The new Act requires that all patients undertake a Criminal (Police) Record and Child Protection Order Check, prior to commencing treatment.
Melbourne IVF is very concerned about how this requirement will impact patients wishing to access treatment. While we will continue to actively communicate our opposition to the requirement for these checks to relevant government bodies, we advise anyone planning to undertake ART treatment in 2010, to proceed with applying for:
- a Criminal (Police) Record check ; and
- a Child Protection Order check
This includes patients who signed consent forms for ART treatment prior to 1st January 2010.
Melbourne IVF recommends you organise your Child Protection Order Check as soon as possible, in order for the Department of Human Services (DHS) to have sufficient time to process the check prior to commencement of your treatment.
Applying for checks
Review information on how to apply for checks here:
Do you have further questions?
Melbourne IVF has prepared a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions that outlines the background to the ART changes and answers some of the most common questions that arise around the process and guidelines on the ART Act 2008.
Links
ART Act 2008: http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au
Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA): http://www.varta.org.au/www/257/1003057/deafult.asp (information about the new legislation)
Patient Review Panel: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/prp/