Government Announces New Scheme of Licensing for England for Aesthetic Treatments
The government has confirmed their intention to introduce licensing for non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers.
On March 1st, 2022, the proposed amendment to the Health and Care Bill was discussed in parliament. The changes would allow the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care the ability to introduce a licensing regime. The full details on the scheme are still to be finalised which will take place following additional research and a public consultation.
“While most of those in the aesthetics industry follow good practice when it comes to patient safety, far too many people have been left emotionally and physically scarred after botched cosmetic procedures. I am committed to protecting patient safety by making it an offence for someone to perform these cosmetic procedures without a licence” – Sajid Javid, Health and Social Care Secretary
The new licensing scheme will implement standards which all therapists conducting aesthetic treatments will have to meet as well as adhering to hygiene and safety standards for the premises where they are performing treatments.
The exact parameter of the treatments covered by the new scheme are yet to be confirmed but the released statement from the government states that they will be focussing on “those cosmetic procedures which, if improperly performed, have the potential to cause harm, such as Botox and Dermal Fillers.”
In addition to the new scheme, ongoing work will continue with the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) which is hoping to bring products such as dermal filler in scope of medical device regulations.
What does a licensing scheme mean for businesses?
Providers that are registered with The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will be exempt from the new licensing scheme. It is not yet been clarified how aesthetic treatments would be policed in these environments.
Providers that are not registered with CQC that are offering aesthetic treatments such as Botox or Dermal Fillers will be required to hold a license. The new legislation will make it an offence to perform injectable treatments without holding a valid license. In order to get a license, practitioners will need to provide evidence that they meet a new standard of education, training, and competence.
The licensing scheme will have required standards for education and training, premises, and infection control, use and supply of products, advertising and social media, insurance, and the publication of accurate information about the benefits and risks of treatments.
What training requirements will the licensing scheme require?
The training requirements required by the new licensing scheme will be in line with the Health Education England framework.
Practitioners who perform Botox or dermal filler treatments will be required to have a Level 7 qualification. Additional training requirements will also apply to practitioners delivering other aesthetic treatments including microneedling and laser hair removal.
The Private Clinic of Harley Street
The Private Clinic or Harley Street ensures that all clinics are CQC registered. Our team of expert doctors and nurses are all qualified and highly competent in performing injectable treatments. We welcome the new licensing scheme and hope that this paves the way for ensuring that all patients only receive the best and safest aesthetic treatments.
“On 1st March 2022 the Government confirmed its intention to introduce licensing for non-surgical cosmetic procedures – including Botulinum Injections and Fillers. We support and welcome any tightening in regulations affecting the sector.
Licensing will apply to providers which are not registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC); however details of the scheme have not yet been finalized. All our clinics are registered with and regulated by the CQC.
Our priority are your safety and that you are happy with the outcome of your treatment. That is our responsibility and our promise to you. “
– Valentina Petrone, Group Managing Director The Private Clinic Group.
To find out more about the new licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures click here.
To find out more about our aesthetic treatments available at The Private Clinic, please 0333 920 2471 or use our online contact form to request a call back.
