Section 19: Interpretation
57.A definition of qualifying relationship is included in addition to the reference to the ranking of those relationships in section 27(4) of the Human Tissue Act 2004. The 2004 Act defines the term (at section 54(9)) as well as giving the different relationships that form the definition a ranking through section 27(4) and the Code of Practice issued by the Human Tissue Authority. Relatives and friends of long standing will not be ranked for the purposes of section 4(4)(b) of this Act (information that can prevent deemed consent), but qualifying relations will be ranked for all other purposes. In the definition of "qualifying relationship", the reference to a "child" is a reference to the relationship of that person to the deceased and, therefore, means the son or daughter of the deceased (no matter what that person's age). Similarly, there is no age restriction in relation to a “grandchild”.
