Company : Sol Infotech Pvt. Ltd. Website : www.courtkutchehry.com Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Rules, 1996 CONTENTS 1. Short title and commencement 2. Definitions 3. Rule 3 3A. Sale of ultrasound machines/imaging machines. 4. Registration of "Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic and Imaging Centres" 5. Application Fee. 6. Certificate of registration 7. Validity of registration 8. Renewal of registration 9. Maintenance and preservation of records 10. Conditions for conducting pre-natal diagnostic procedures 11. Facilities for inspection. 12. Procedure for search and seizure. 13. Intimation of changes in employees, place or equipment 1 4 . Conditions for analysis or test and pre-natal diagnostic procedures 15. Meetings of the Advisory Committees 16. Allowances to members of the Central Supervisory Board 17. Public Information 18. Code of Conduct to be observed by persons working at Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories, Genetic Clinics, Ultrasound Clinics, Imaging Centres etc. 19. Appeals. SCHEDULE 1 :- SCHEDULE I SCHEDULE 2 :- SCHEDULE II SCHEDULE 3 :- SCHEDULE III Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Rules, 1996 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Deptt. of Family Welfare), Noti. No. G.S.R. 1(E), dated January 1, 1996. published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 1st January, 1996, pp. 18-32, No. 1 [No. 23011/59/94-PLY] [R] In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 32 of the Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act. 1994 (57 of 1994). the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely:- 1. Short title and commencement :- 1 (1)These rules may be called the Pre-natal coception and Pre- natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Rules, 1996. (2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. 1. In Rule 1, sub-rule (1),shall be substituted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 2. Definitions :- In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,- (a) "Act" means the Pre-natat Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994 (57 of 1994): (b) "employee" means a person working in or employed by a "Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic and Imaging Centres" , and includes those working on part-time, contractual, consultancy, honorary or on any other basis: (c) "Form" means a Form appended to these rules; (d)1 [* * * * *] (e) "section" means a section of the Act: (f) words and expressions used herein and not defined in these rules but defined in the Act, shall have the meanings, respectively, assigned to them in the Act. 1. In Rule 2, clause (d),shall be omitted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 3. Rule 3 :- 1 The qualifications of the employees, the requirement of equipment etc. for a "Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic and Imaging Centres" , Ultrasound Clinic and Imaging Centre shall be as under: (1) Any person being or employing (i) a gynaecologist or a paediatrician having six months experience or four weeks training in genetic counselling; or (ii) a medical geneticists, (2) (a) Any person having adequate space and being or employing (i) a Medical Geneticist; and (ii) a laboratory technician, having a B.Sc. degree in Biological Sciences or a degree or diploma in medical laboratory course with at least one year experience in conducting appropriate prenatal diagnostic techniques, tests or procedures (b) Such laboratory should have or acquire such of the following equipments as may be necessary for carrying out chromosomal studies, bio-chemical studies and molecular studies: (i) Chromosomal studies: (1) Laminar flow hood with ultraviolet and fluorescent light or other suitable culture hood. (2) Photo-microscope with fluorescent source of light. (3) Inverted microscope. (4) Incubator and oven. (5) Carbon dioxide incubator or closed system with 5% CO2 atmosphere. (6) Autoclave. (7) Refrigerator. (8) Water bath. (9) Centrifuge. (10) Vortex mixer. (11) Magnetic strirrer. (12) pH Meter. (13) A sensitive balance (preferably electronic) with sensitivity of 0.1 milligram. (14) Double distillation apparatus (glass). (15) Such other equipments as may be necessary. (ii) Biochemical studies: (Requirements according to tests to be carried out) (1) Laminar flow hood with ultraviolet and fluorescent light or other suitable culture hood. (2) Inverted microscope. (3) Incubator and oven. (4) Carbon dioxide incubator or closed system with 5% CO2 atmosphere. (5) Autoclave. (6) Refrigerator. (7) Water bath. (8) Centrifuge. (9) Electrophoresis apparatus and power supply. (10) Chromatography chamber. (11) Spectro-photometer and Elisa reader or Radio-immunoassay system (with gamma beta-counter) or fluorometer for various biochemical tests. (12) Vortex mixer. (13) Magnetic strirrer. (14) pH meter. (15) A sensitive balance (preferably electronic) with sensitivity of 0.1 milligram. (16) Double distillation apparatus (glass). (17) Liquid nitrogen tank. (18) Such other equipments as may be necessary. (iii) Molecular studies: (1) Inverted microscope. (2) Incubator. (3) Oven. (4) Autoclave. (5) Refrigerators (4 degree and minus 20 degree Centigrade). (6) Water bath. (7) Microcentrifuge. (8) Electrophoresis apparatus and power supply. (9) Vortex mixer. (10) Magnetic stirrer. (11) pH meter. (12) A sensitive balance (preferably electronic) with sensitivity of 0.1 milligram. (13) Double distillation apparatus (glass). (14) P.C.R. machine. (15) Refrigerated centrifuge. (16) U.V. Illuminator with photographic attachment or other documentation system. (17) Precision micropipettes. (18) Such other equipments as may be necessary. (3) (1) Any person having adequate space and being or employing (a) Gynaecologist having experience of performing at least 20 procedures in chorionic villi aspirations per vagina or per abdomen, chorionic villi biopsy, amniocentesis, cordocentesis foetoscopy, foetal skin or organ biopsy or foetal blood sampling etc. under supervision of an experienced gynaecologist in these fields, or (b) a Sonologist, Imaging Specialist, Radiologist or Registered Medical Practitioner having Post Graduate degree or diploma or six months training or one year experience in sonography or image scanning, or (c) A medical geneticist. (2) The Genetic Clinic/ultrasound clinic/imaging centre should have or acquire such of the following equipments, as may be necessary for carrying out the tests or procedures (a) Equipment and accessories necessary for carrying out clinical examination by an obstetrician or gynaecologist. (b) An ultra-sonography machine including mobile ultrasound machine, imaging machine or any other equipment capable of conducting foetal ultrasonography. (c) Appropriate catheters and equipment for carrying out chorionic villi aspirations per vagina or per abdomen. (d) Appropriate sterile needles for amniocentesis or cordocentesis. (e) A suitable foetoscope with appropriate accessories for foetoscopy, foetal skin or organ biopsy or foetal blood sampling shall be optional. (f) Equipment for dry and wet sterilization. (g) Equipment for carrying out emergency procedures such as evacuation of uterus or resuscitation in case of need. (h) Genetic Works Station. 1. Rule 3, shall be substituted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 3A. Sale of ultrasound machines/imaging machines. :- 1 (1) No organization including a commercial organization or a person, including manufacturer, importer, dealer or supplier of ultrasound machines/imaging machines or any other equipment, capable of detecting sex of foetus, shall sell, distribute, supply, rent, allow or authorize the use of any such machine or equipment in any manner, whether on payment or otherwise, to any Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic, Imaging Centre or any other body or person unless such Centre, Laboratory, Clinic, body or person is registered under the Act. (2) The provider of such machine/equipment to any person/body registered under the Act shall send to the concerned StateAJT Appropriate Authority and to the Central Government, once in three months a list of those to whom the machine/equipment has been provided. (3) Any organization or person, including manufacturer, importer, dealer or supplier of ultrasound machines/imaging machines or any other equipment capable of detecting sex of foetus selling, distributing, supplying or authorizing, in any manner, the use of any such machine or equipment to any Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic, Imaging Centre or any other body or person registered under the Act shall take an affidavit from the Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic, Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic, Imaging Centre or any other body or 'person purchasing or getting authorization for using such machine/ equipment that the machine/equipment shall not be used for detection of sex of foetus or selection of sex before or after conception. 1. Rule 3A, shall be inserted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 4. Registration of "Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic and Imaging Centres" :- 1 (1) An application for registration shall be made to the Appropriate Authority, in duplicate, in Form A, duly accompanied by an Affidavit containing (i) an undertaking to the effect that the Genetic Centre/Laboratory/Clinic/ Ultrasound Clinic/Imaging Centre/Combination thereof, as the case may be, shall not conduct any test or procedure, by whatever name called, for selection of sex before or after conception or for detection of sex of foetus except for diseases specified in Section 4(2) nor shall the sex of foetus be disclosed to any body; and (ii) an undertaking to the effect that the Genetic Centre/Laboratory/Clinic/ Combination thereof, as the case may be, shall display prominently a notice that they do not conduct any technique, test or procedure etc. by whatever name called, for detection of sex of foetus or for selection of sex before or after conception. (2) The Appropriate Authority, or any person in his office authorised in this behalf, shall acknowledge receipt of the application for registration, in the acknowledgement slip provided at the bottom of Form A, immediately if delivered at the office of the Appropriate Authority. or not later than the next working day if received by post. 1. Rule 4, sub-rule (1), shall be substituted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 5. Application Fee. :- 1 (1) Every application for registration under Rule 4 shall be accompanied by an application fee of (a) Rs 3000.00 for Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic or Imaging Centre. (b) Rs 4000.00 for an institute, hospital, nursing home, or any place providing jointly the service of a Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory and Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic or Imaging Centre or any combination thereof: Provided that if an application for registration of any Genetic Clinic/Laboratory/ Centre etc. has been rejected by the Appropriate Authority, no fee shall be required to be paid on re-submission of the application by the applicant for the same body within 90 days of rejection. Provided further that any subsequent application shall be accompanied with the prescribed fee. Application fee once paid will not be refunded. (2) The application fee shall be paid by a demand draft drawn in favour of the Appropriate Authority, on any scheduled bank payable at the headquarters of the Appropriate Authority concerned. The fees collected by the Appropriate Authorities for registration of Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic and Imaging Centre or any other body or person under sub-rule (1), shall be deposited by the Appropriate Authority concerned in a bank account opened in the name of the official designation of the Appropriate Authority concerned and shall be utilized by the Appropriate Authority in connection with the activities connected with implementation of the provisions of the Act and these rules. 1. Rule 5, shall be substituted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 6. Certificate of registration :- (1) The Appropriate Authority shall, after making such enquiry and after satisfying itself that the applicant has complied with all the requirements, place the application before the Advisory Committee for its advice. (2) Having regard to the advice of the Advisory Committee the Appropriate Authority shall grant a certificate of registration, in duplicate, in Form B to the applicant. One copy of the certificate of registration shall be displayed by the registered Genetic Counselling Centre. Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic at a conspicuous place at its place of business : Provided that the Appropriate Authority may grant a certificate of registration to a Genetic Laboratory or a Genetic Clinic to conduct one or more specified pre-natal diagnostic tests or procedures, depending on the availability of place, equipment and qualified employees, and standards maintained by such laboratory or clinic. (3) If, after enquiry and after giving an opportunity of being heard to the applicant and having regard to the advice of the Advisory Committee, the Appropriate Authority is satisfied that the applicant has not complied with the requirements of the Act and these rules, it shall, for the reasons to be recorded in writing, reject the application for registration and communicate such rejection to the applicant as specified in Form C. (4) An enquiry under sub-rule (1), including inspection at the premises of the Genetic- Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic, shall be carried out only after due notice is given to the applicant by the Appropriate Authority. (5) Grant of certificate of registration or rejection of application for registration shall be communicated to the applicant as specified in Form B or Form C, as the case may be, within a period of ninety days from the date of receipt of application for registration. (6) The certificate of registration shall be non-transferable. In the event of change of ownership or change of management or on ceasing to function as a Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic, both copies of the certificate of registration shall be surrendered to the Appropriate Authority. (7) In the event of change of ownership or change of management of the Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic, the new owner or manager of such Centre, Laboratory or Clinic shall apply afresh for grant of certificate of registration. 7. Validity of registration :- Every certificate of registration shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of its issue. 8. Renewal of registration :- (1) An application for renewal of certificate of registration shall be made in duplicate in Form A, to the Appropriate Authority thirty days before the date of expiry of the certificate of registration. Acknowledgement of receipt of such application shall be issued by the Appropriate Authority in the manner specified in sub-rule (2) of Rule 4. (2) The Appropriate Authority shall, after holding an enquiry and after satisfying itself that the applicant has complied with all the requirements of the Act and these rules and having regard to the advice of the Advisory Committee in this behalf, renew the certificate of registration, as specified in Form B, for a further period of five years from the date of expiry of the certificate of registration earlier granted. (3) If, after enquiry and after giving an opportunity of being heard to the applicant and having regard to the advice of the Advisory Committee, the Appropriate Authority is satisfied that the applicant has not complied with the requirements of the Act and these rules, it shall, lor reasons to be recorded in writing, reject the application for renewal of certificate of registration and communicate such rejection to the applicant as specified in Form C. (4) The fees payable for renewal of certificate of registration shall be one half of the fees provided in sub-rule ( 1 ) of Rule 5. (5) On receipt of the renewed certificate of registration in duplicate or on receipt of communication or rejection of application for renewal, both copies of the earlier certificate of registration shall be surrendered immediately to the Appropriate Authority by the Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic. (6) In the event of failure of the Appropriate Authority to renew the certificate of registration or to communicate rejection of application for renewal of registration within a period of ninety days from the date of receipt of application for renewal of registration, the certificate of registration shall he deemed to have been renewed. 9. Maintenance and preservation of records :- 1(1) Every Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic and Imaging Centres shall maintain a register showing, in serial order, the names and addresses of the men or women given genetic counselling, subjected to pre-natal diagnostic procedures or pre-natal diagnostic tests, the names of their spouse or father and the date on which they first reported for such counselling, procedure or test. (2) The record to be maintained by every Genetic Counselling Centre, in respect of each woman counselled, shall be as specified in Form D. 2(3) The record to be maintained by every Genetic Laboratory, in respect of each man or woman subjected to any pre-natal diagnostic procedure/ techniques/test, shall be as specified in Form E. 3(4) The record to be maintained by every Genetic Clinic, in respect of each man or woman subjected to any pre-natal diagnostic procedure/technique/ test, shall be as specified in Form F. (5) The Appropriate Authority shall maintain a permanent record of applications for grant or renewal of certificate of registration as specified in Form H. Letters of intimation of every change of employee, place, address and equipment installed shall also be preserved as permanent records. (6) All case-related records, forms of consent, laboratory results, microscopic pictures, sonographic plates or slides, recommendations and letters shall be preserved by the Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic for a period of two years from the date of completion of counselling, pre-natal diagnostic procedure or pre-natal diagnostic test, a.s the case may be. In the event of any legal proceedings, the records shall be preserved till the final disposal of legal proceedings, or till the expiry of the said period of two years, whichever is later. (7) In case the Genetic Counselling Centre or Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic maintains records on computer or other electronic equipment a printed copy of the record shall be taken and preserved after authentication by a person responsible for such record. 4 (8) Every Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic and Imaging Centres shall send a complete report in respect of all pre-conception or pregnancy related procedures/techniques/tests conducted by them in respect of each month by 5th day of the following month to the concerned Appropriate Authority. 1. In Rule 9, sub-rule (1), shall be substituted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 2. In Rule 9, sub-rule (3), shall be substituted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 3. In Rule 9, sub-rule (4), shall be substituted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 4. In Rule 9, sub-rule (8), shall be inserted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 10. Conditions for conducting pre-natal diagnostic procedures :- 1(1) Before conducting preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or any p r e - n a t a l diagnostic technique/test/procedure such as amniocentesis, chorionic villi biopsy, foetoscopy, foetal skin or organ biopsy or cordocentesis, a written consent, as specified in Form G, in a language the person undergoing such procedure understands, shall be obtained from her/him. 2 (1A) Any person conducting ultrasonography/image scanning on a pregnant woman shall give a declaration on each report on ultrasonography/ image scanning that he/she has neither detected nor disclosed the sex of foetus of the pregnant woman to any body. The pregnant woman shall before undergoing ultrasonography/image scanning declare that she does not want to know the sex of her foetus. (2) All the State Governments and Union territories may issue translation of Form G in languages used in the State or Union territory and where no official translation in a language understood by the pregnant woman is available, the Genetic Clinic may translate Form G into a language she understands. 1. In Rule 10, sub-rule (1), shall be substituted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 2. In Rule 10, sub-rule (1A), shall be inserted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 11. Facilities for inspection. :- 1 (1) Every Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Ultrasound Clinic, Imaging Centre, nursing home, hospital, institute or any other place where any of the machines or equipments capable of performing any procedure, technique or test capable of pre-natal determination of sex or selection of sex before or after conception is used, shall afford all reasonable facilities for inspection of the place, equipment and records to the Appropriate Authority or to any other person authorised by the Appropriate Authority in this behalf for registration of such institutions, by whatever name called, under the Act, or for detection of misuse of such facilities or advertisement therefor or for selection of sex before or after conception or for detection/disclosure of sex of foetus or for detection of cases of violation of the provisions of the Act in any other manner. (2) The Appropriate Authority or the officer authorized by it may seal and seize any ultrasound machine, scanner or any other equipment, capable of. detecting sex of foetus, used by any organisation it" the organisation has not got itself registered under the Act. These machines of the organisations may be released if s u c h organisation pays penalty equal to five times of the registration fee to the Appropriate Authority concerned and gives an undertaking that it shall not undertake detection of sex of foetus or selection of sex before or after conception. 1. Rule 11, shall be substituted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 12. Procedure for search and seizure. :- 1 (1) The Appropriate Authority or any officer authorised in this behalf may enter and search at all reasonable times any Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic, Imaging Centre or Ultrasound Clinic in the presence of two or more independent witnesses for the purposes of search and examination of any record, register, document, book, pamphlet, advertisement, or any other material object found therein and seal and seize the same if there is reason to believe that it may furnish evidence of commission of an offence punishable under the Act. Explanation. In these rules (1) 'Genetic Laboratory/Genetic Clinic/Genetic Counselling Centre' would include an ultrasound centre/imaging centre/nursing home/hospital/institute or any other place, by whatever name called, where any of the machines or equipments capable of selection of sex before or after conception or performing any procedure, technique or test for pre-natal detection of sex of foetus, is used; (2) 'material object' would include records, machines and equipments; and (3) 'seize' and 'seizure' would include 'seal' and 'sealing' respectively. 1. Rule 12, shall be substituted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 13. Intimation of changes in employees, place or equipment :- Every Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic shall intimate every change of employee, place, address and equipment installed, to the Appropriate Authority within a period of thirty days of such change. 14. Conditions for analysis or test and pre-natal diagnostic procedures :- (1) No Genetic Laboratory shall accept for analysis or test any sample, unless referred to it by a Genetic Clinic. (2) Every pre-natal diagnostic procedure shall invariably be immediately preceded by locating the foetus and placenta through ultrasonography, and the pre-natal diagnostic procedure shall be done under direct ultrasonographic monitoring so as to prevent any damage to the foetus and placenta. 15. Meetings of the Advisory Committees :- The intervening period between any two meetings of Advisory Committees constituted under sub-section (5) of Section 17 to advise the Appropriate Authority shall not exceed sixty days. 16. Allowances to members of the Central Supervisory Board :- (1) The ex-officio members, and other Central and State Government officers appointed to the Board will be entitled to Travelling Allowance and Daily Allowance for attending the meetings of the Board as per the Travelling Allowances rules applicable to them. (2) The non-official members appointed to, and Members of Parliament elected to, the Board will be entitled to Travelling Allowance and Daily Allowance for attending the meetings of the Board as admissible to non-officials and Members of Parliament, as the case may be, under the Travelling Allowances rules of the Central Government. 17. Public Information :- (1) Every Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory and Genetic Clinic shall prominently display on its premises a notice in English and in the local language or languages for the information of the public, to the effect that disclosure of the sex of the foetus is prohibited under law. (2) At least one copy each of the Act and these rules shall be available on the premises of every Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory and Genetic Clinic, and shall be made available to the clientele on demand for perusal. (3) The Appropriate Authority, the Central Government, the State Government, and the Government/Administration of the Union territory may publish periodically lists of registered Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories and Genetic Clinics and findings from the reports and other information in their possession, for the information of the public and for use by the experts in the field. 18. Code of Conduct to be observed by persons working at Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories, Genetic Clinics, Ultrasound Clinics, Imaging Centres etc. :- 1 All persons including the owner, employee or any other persons associated with Genetic Counselling Centres, Genetic Laboratories, Genetic Clinics, Ultrasound Clinics, Imaging Centres registered under the Act/these rules shall (i) not conduct or associate with, or help in carrying out detection or disclosure of sex of foetus in any manner; (ii) not employ or cause to be employed any person not possessing qualifications necessary for carrying out pre-natal diagnostic techniques/ procedures, techniques and tests including ultrasonography; (iii) not conduct or cause to be conducted or aid in conducting by himself or through any other person any techniques or procedure for selection of sex before or after conception or for detection of sex of foetus except for the purposes specified in sub-section (2) of Section 4 of the Act; (iv) not conduct or cause to be conducted or aid in conducting by himself or through any other person any techniques or test or procedure under the Act at a place other than a place registered under the Act/these rules; (v) ensure that no provision of the Act and these rules are violated in any manner; (vi) ensure that the person, conducting any techniques, test or procedure leading to detection of sex of foetus for purposes not covered under Section 4(2) of the Act or selection of sex before or after conception, is informed that such procedures lead to violation of the Act and these rules which are punishable offences; (vii) help the law enforcing agencies in bringing to book the violators of the provisions of the Act and these rules; (viii) display his/her name and designation prominently on the dress worn by him/her; (ix) write his/her name and designation in full under his/her signature; (x) on no account conduct or allow/cause to be conducted female foeticide; (xi) not commit any other act of professional misconduct. 1. Rule 18, shall be inserted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 19. Appeals. :- 1 (1) Anybody aggrieved by the decision of the Appropriate Authority at sub-district level may appeal to the Appropriate Authority at district level within 30 days of the order of the sub-district level Appropriate Authority. (2) Anybody aggrieved by the decision of the Appropriate Authority at district level may appeal to the Appropriate Authority at State/UT level within 30 days of the order of the District level Appropriate Authority. (3) Each appeal shall be disposed of by the District Appropriate Authority or by the State/Union Territory Appropriate Authority, as the case may be, within 60 days of its receipt. (4) If an appeal is not made within the time as prescribed under sub-rule (1), (2) or (3), the Appropriate Authority under that sub- rule may condone the delay in case he/she is satisfied that appellant was prevented for sufficient cause from making such appeal. 1. Rule 19, shall be inserted by Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Rules, 2003 , published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(i), dated 14th February, 2003, pp. 29-52, No.74 SCHEDULE 1 SCHEDULE I [* * * * *] SCHEDULE 2 SCHEDULE II [* * * * * *] SCHEDULE 3 SCHEDULE III