The Human Tissue Act 2004, which came into force on 1 September 2006, repeals and replaces the Anatomy Act 1984 and also establishes the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) as the regulatory body for all matters concerning the removal, storage, use and disposal of human tissue. As a result, the post of Her Majesty’s Inspector of Anatomy ceased on 31 August 2006
Details of the new arrangements to provide information and help for people who wish to donate their body for medical education, training or research, and for bereaved relatives whose loved one expressed such a wish before they died.

The HTA is a new public body. Its role is to inform the public and the Secretary of State about regulating the storage and use of human organs and tissue from the living, and the removal, storage and use of tissue and organs from the deceased, for specified health-related purposes and public display. It extends to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Special Health Authority within the NHS with a UK-wide remit, its key role is to ensure that donated organs are matched and allocated in a fair and unbiased way.