Regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures: consultation

Introduction

The number of non-surgical cosmetic treatments being carried out across Scotland and the UK has risen considerably over the years and continues to do so. In Scotland, independent clinics run by a doctor, nurse, dentist, dental nurse, midwife or dental care professional and who provide these procedures are regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS). However non-surgical cosmetic procedures themselves, such as lip enhancement or dermal fillers, are not currently regulated and anyone is currently able to administer such procedures.

The Scottish Government's vision is for a safer Scotland and we want to ensure that anyone providing non-surgical cosmetic procedures does so safely and is competent and appropriately trained to do so. Our commitment to public safety must be maintained with assurance for people who choose to have non-surgical procedures carried out by individuals who are not healthcare professionals in non-healthcare premises. This consultation seeks your views on the regulation of such individuals and premises.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this consultation paper. Please read the background to why we are consulting on specific actions. We would welcome your views on the further regulation of independent clinics and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

The consultation seeks your views on the following questions:

1. Do you agree that further regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures is needed?

2. Do you agree that the carrying out of non-surgical cosmetic procedures (that pierce/penetrate the skin) by individuals who are not qualified healthcare professionals should be licenced under Part 1 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982?

3. Do you agree that services provided by pharmacists who undertake independent healthcare practices (including non-surgical cosmetic procedures), outwith the terms of an NHS contract should be regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland?

4. Do you have any other comments?

For additional information please refer to:

Keogh Review Final Report https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/192028/Review_of_the_Regulation_of_Cosmetic_Interventions.pdf

The Scottish Cosmetic Interventions Expert Group report https://www2.gov.scot/Topics/Health/Quality-Improvement-Performance/HealthCareImprovementScotland/Cosmetic-Interventions-Expert-Report

Section 10F of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (as amended).

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1978/29/section/10F

The National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (Independent Clinic) Amendment Order 2016, SSI 2016/148

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2016/148/contents/made

The National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (Independent Clinic) Amendment Order 2017, SSI 2017/67.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2017/67/introduction/made

Healthcare Improvement Scotland http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/inspecting_and_regulating_care/independent_healthcare/regulation_of_clinics/regulation_of_clinics_faqs.aspx

How do I respond to the consultation?

You are invited to response to this consultation by 30 April 2020. Please respond to the consultation using the Scottish Government's consultation hub, Citizen Space (http://consult.gov.scot). You can access and respond to this consultation online at

https://consult.gov.scot/healthcare-quality-and-improvement/regulation-of-independent-healthcare

Further details on how to respond can be found at Appendices A & B.