Glossary term · Law & regulation
Hospital authorisation committee (also: Authorisation committee, Transplant authorisation committee): A hospital authorisation committee is the body set up under India’s THO Rules 2014 to approve or reject living-donor transplant applications.
A hospital authorisation committee is the panel that approves or rejects each living-donor transplant under India’s THO Rules 2014. Every case involving a foreign donor or recipient goes to it. The committee interviews donor and recipient, records the interview on video and gives written reasons. The Rules require a final decision within 24 hours of the meeting.
Who sits on the committee?
A hospital-based committee is chaired by the medical director or head of the hospital. It includes two senior doctors not on the transplant team, two people of high integrity and social standing, preferably including a woman, and nominees of the state health secretary and director of health services. The quorum is at least four.
When is the committee hospital-based?
The Rules set a hospital-based committee where a hospital performs 25 or more transplants a year. Otherwise a district or state level committee decides.
What does the committee check?
- The near-relative relationship and the embassy’s Form 21 certificate.
- That there is no payment or commercial transaction and no middleman.
- That consent is free and informed, with women donors’ independent consent confirmed.
- Medical fitness of the donor.
How is the decision given?
The committee states its reasons in writing on Form 18. The decision is published on the hospital website within 24 hours with identities hidden. Urgent cases should be expedited.
Preparing for the interview
Donor and recipient are interviewed in person. Bring original documents and an interpreter if needed. Answer honestly in your own words.
Questions people ask
Can the committee reject a case?
Yes. The committee can approve or reject an application and must give its reasons in writing. Ask the transplant coordinator to explain the reasons and what options exist if a case is not approved.
Can my attendant join the interview?
The Rules require the applicants to be interviewed personally, and the interview is recorded on video. Ask the hospital in advance who may attend, which documents to bring and whether an interpreter will be provided.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.