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Functions of the Panel
The Patient Review Panel is an independent body established by the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act (2008).
The functions of the Panel are to consider:
- applications for surrogacy arrangements
- whether there is a barrier to treatment if a presumption against treatment applies
- applications for posthumous use of gametes and embryos
- applications for treatment in circumstances in which a registered assisted reproductive treatment provider or clinician is concerned about the risk of abuse or neglect to a child that may be born as a result of the treatment
- applications for treatment in circumstances in which the applicant does not meet the criteria for treatment
- applications for extended storage periods of gametes or embryos or removal of embryos from storage.
Other functions may also be given to the Panel by the Minister.
In carrying out its functions the Panel will strive to ensure that the welfare and interests of persons born or to be born as a result of treatment procedures are paramount, the health and wellbeing of persons undergoing treatment procedures is protected at all times and that persons seeking to undergo treatment procedures are not discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation, marital status, race or religion. Its decisions may be reviewed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Composition of the Panel
The Panel comprises five members who are appointed by the Governor in Council. The members include a chairperson (the Honourable Susan Morgan, a retired Judge of the Family Court of Australia), a Deputy Chairperson and three other members who are selected from the list of approved names (Sec 84) by the Chairperson according to the expertise required for each hearing.
