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Remote auditing of units proceeding well
The auditing of IVF units under the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee’s Code of Practice has been proceeding well this year after suspension of the process due to initial COVID-19 disruptions in 2020.
RTAC Chair, Dr Chris Copeland, said initially most of the unit audits by certifying bodies this year were conducted on site in the normal manner.
“However, the majority of audits in the past six months have been remotely managed by video conferencing as units continued to operate in the new normal of the continuing pandemic,” he said.
“There have been no difficulties with the process with unit staff providing video tours of facilities where required.”
Dr Copeland said the intention was to return to on-site auditing as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the remote auditing process is working satisfactorily with structured and cooperative communications between certifying bodies and individual units.
New RTAC Scheme Rules came into place from January 1 this year. The Scheme Rules in part define processes for bodies to audit and certify IVF units to the Code of Practice requirements.
A significant change to the new Scheme Rules is that there is provision for an assisted reproductive technology unit to address an identified non-compliance issue in a timely manner without affecting the operating licence prior to it being due to expire.
There is also a requirement for at least one audit in the three- year cycle to be carried out with the inclusion of a technical expert. All the FSANZ professional groups have been requested to make available a list of suitable candidates.
Detailed information on the RTAC Scheme Rules, along
with the Australian and New Zealand Code of Practice and the International Code of Practice, are featured on the FSANZ website www.fertilitysociety.com.au
The Code of Practice review that was also put on hold in 2020 due to COVID-19 has also been completed and the review document is with the FSANZ Board for consideration.
Pathology training modules for ART doctors
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) commenced the delivery of new training modules in July this year.
The new modules have been incorporated within the existing Certificate of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility course to enable doctors practising in assisted reproductive technology to meet new academic and skills requirements of the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council’s (NPAAC) revised guidelines for managing an ART pathology laboratory.
The new qualification has been formally recognised by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). The IVF Medical Directors’ Group worked with RANZCOG, members of the profession and the government to develop these new modules, and to have them recognised by NPAAC and NATA.
The revision of the NPAAC guidelines was driven by the Royal College of Pathology Australasia (RCPA) and was seen as an active attempt to restrain clinics from undertaking their own laboratory work. The importance of maintaining laboratory services within the ART sector’s clinics was seen as paramount and central to maintaining Australia’s high standards of patient care and improving success rates.
Meanwhile, Dr David Molloy had indicated his intention to retire from the position of the Chair of the IVF Medical Directors’ Group after a lengthy and accomplished period at the helm.
He did not recontest the position at the recent elections.
Dr Richard Henshaw has been elected Chair and will commence his duties when the newly elected executive formally takes office at the next FSANZ annual scientific meeting in Sydney early next year.
The newly elected IVF Medical Directors’ Group executive members are:
• Dr Richard Henshaw, Chair;
• Dr Anne Clark, Deputy Chair;
• Dr Paul Atkinson, Secretary;
• Dr Glenn Sterling, Treasurer;
• Dr Manuela Toledo, General Position; • Dr Nicci Sides, General Position;
• Dr David Molloy, General Position
• Rick Forbes; and
• Christopher Bradbury
Professor Luk Rombauts will continue to attend IVF Medical Directors’ Group executive meetings ex-officio as the current President of FSANZ.
David reflected on his extended terms as Chair of the IVF Medical Directors’ Group as a “period of unprecedented challenges” which had been met with a high rate of success substantially due to the cohesion and strong representation skills of the group.
“We are well respected and acknowledged in government as strong advocates for our patients and the independence of clinical practice,” he said.
The group has successfully campaigned with patients against several attempts to cut rebates and limit access to treatment based on age. The group has also successfully campaigned against discriminatory police and child protection checks, facilitated access for the LGBTI community, and initiated improvements in medication access and management.
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