Stepping back from the property line: a perspective from regulatory theory

Area of Science:

• Bioethics and Medical Law
• Human Tissue Regulation
• Regulatory Policy

Background:

• The excision and use of human tissue impact various populations with distinct interests.
• Existing regulatory frameworks address multiple subject matters and regulatory goals.
• Diverse strategies exist for achieving regulatory objectives in human tissue management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a range of regulatory mechanisms for human tissue.
• To evaluate the efficacy of different regulatory approaches.
• To advocate for a broader consideration of regulatory strategies beyond property regimes.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of existing regulatory mechanisms for human tissue.
• Exploration of property regimes as a regulatory tool.
• Comparative assessment of various regulatory strategies.

Main Results:

• A property regime is identified as one of several potential regulatory methods.
• Multiple regulatory mechanisms and strategies can be employed.
• The complexity of human tissue regulation necessitates a multi-faceted approach.

Conclusions:

• A singular property regime may not adequately address all interests in human tissue use.
• Consideration of alternative and complementary regulatory strategies is essential.
• Effective regulation requires accommodating the diverse interests of all affected parties.