Making an application to the Panel
Application forms
The Patient Review panel considers applications for a range of procedures related to assisted reproduction.
Sex selection
You can find information about sex selection, forms to apply for sex selection and the Panel's Guidance Note on Sex selection, here: Applications for Sex Selection.
Posthumous use of gametes
Use this application form if your partner is deceased and you wish to use their gametes or embryos formed from their gametes in an ART procedure.
Applications can be made by completing the below application:
More information can be found in the below guidance note:
Removal of embryo from storage
Use this application form if you currently have embryos in storage at an ART provider and you wish to remove those embryos from storage but the other gamete provider does not agree to that removal.
Applications can be made by completing the below application:
There is not currently a panel Guidance Note for Embryo Removal applications.
Extension of storage for sperm, eggs, ovarian tissue or embryos
Use this application form if you and/or your partner (if applicable) have sperm, eggs, ovarian tissue or embryos currently in storage at an ART provider and you wish to extend that storage.
Applications can be made by completing the below application:
More information can be found in the below guidance note:
Surrogacy arrangement
Use this application form if you and your partner (if applicable) are seeking to enter into a surrogacy arrangement.
Applications can be made by completing the below application:
More information can be found in the below guidance note:
Risk of Abuse or neglect
Use this application form is you have been refused treatment at an ART clinic due to them reasonably believing that a child that may be born as a result of a treatment procedure carried out would be at risk of abuse or neglect.
Applications can be made by completing the below application:
There is not currently a panel Guidance Note for Risk of Abuse or Neglect applications.
Criteria not met
Use this application form if you and/or your partner (if applicable) do not meet the criteria for treatment stated in Section 10(2)(a) of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008 (the ART Act).
Applications can be made by completing the below application:
There is not currently a panel Guidance Note for Criteria Not Met applications
Completing an application form
Download the relevant application form. All the necessary forms are available to download from this page.
Each form includes an information sheet with instructions on how to complete the application. Detach the information sheet before scanning.
If you have any questions or concerns about completing an application, please contact your Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART) provider in the first instance.
Sending an application form
Applications MUST be sent by email to prp@health.vic.gov.au
All physical mail is digitised so there may be delays in its receipt. As such, it is recommended to only send documents to the panel via email.
Please also provide a copy of your application to your ART provider, or submit it to the Patient Review Panel through your ART provider.
After the panel receives an application
After the panel receives your application, it will be reviewed by panel staff and you will be notified of your hearing date in due course.
You will be advised whether you need to attend a hearing before the panel, or whether the matter will be determined without the need for you to attend.
Generally, you will need to attend a hearing if the application is for surrogacy arrangements, posthumous use of gametes and embryos, criteria not met and a review of a refusal to treat because of a risk of abuse or neglect to a child.
You may not need to attend a hearing if the application is for extended storage periods of gametes or embryos.
Attendance at a hearing will be via videoconference. Details of how to participate in a videoconference hearing will be provided to you before your hearing date. If you have concerns about attending via videoconference, please contact panel staff via email: prp@health.vic.gov.au
Notice of the hearing
If you need to attend a hearing, you will be served with a notice of the hearing that states:
- the nature of the hearing
- the date and time of the hearing
- that the applicant is entitled to attend the hearing, to make submissions and to be accompanied by another person
- that the hearing will not be open to the public
- that there is no right to legal representation at the hearing without leave from the panel
- the possible findings or orders that the panel may make.
Outcomes and decisions of the panel
The panel must inform you of its decision within 14 days of making a decision regarding your application. Please note that this may not be the same day as the hearing of your application and, for complex matters, may occur sometime afterwards.
Hearing outcomes are provided on a certificate that sets out the panel’s decision. The panel will provide written reasons for the decision.
A copy of the certificate will be forwarded to your assisted reproductive treatment clinic.
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