Non-surgical cosmetic licensing – the Government Consultation is open

The Government has launched its consultation on a new licensing scheme for non-surgical procedures. The Health and Care Act 2022 gave the Government powers to introduce a licensing scheme for aesthetic practitioners who undertake non-surgical procedures, such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin, chemical peels, laser treatment and other invasive procedures in England. The scheme if implemented will require a practitioner to hold a licence not only to administer a procedure but also a licence to permit the use of premises for carrying out ‘specified cosmetic procedures’. It will be an offence not to hold both licenses.

The patient safety concerns about the ever-growing and unregulated cosmetic aesthetic sector in England are well documented. There is no minimum training criteria required of practitioners who undertake non-surgical procedures which can if not administered appropriately lead to serious complication and injury. This consultation is welcomed by the cosmetic industry who are keen to promote the health, welfare and safety of patients.

Professor David Sines CBE Chair of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners who has been a driving force in the campaign for regulation summed up the position succinctly ‘In recent years we have seen a massive growth in the number and types of non surgical procedure…we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of complaint about sub standard treatment, unregulated products and unsuitable treatment premises. All too often it is the NHS that has to pick up the pieces when a cosmetic procedure goes wrong. Nothing is more important than public safety and protection’.

The Consultation closes on 28 October 2023 and we will wait to see what steps the Government takes to reshape, regulate and protect the safety of patients. The scheme will undoubtedly strengthen the confidence of the insurers industry when dealing with medical malpractice claims but importantly also empower patient choice.

If you wish to discuss this further, please get in touch with Julie Charlton or Monica Gosling.