The UK Government has announced its intention to introduce a new system of licensing in England for cosmetic procedures which will be tabled today.
The amendment highlighted in the Health and Care Bill will give the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care powers to introduce a license to perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as botulinum toxin and dermal filler injectables. The scope and details of this will be determined through extensive engagement including a public consultation.
The licensing scheme will introduce consistent standards which individuals carrying out cosmetic procedures will have to meet, as well as hygiene and safety standards for premises.
The government is currently analysing responses from a public consultation which ran from November 25, 2021 and will publish a formal response in due course.
Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said, “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 license. We’re doing all we can to protect patients from potential harm, but I urge anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to take the time to think about the impact on both their physical and mental health and ensure they are using a reputable, safe and qualified practitioner.”
Professor David Sines, executive chair and
registrar of the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), commented,
“The JCCP was delighted to receive confirmation that the Secretary of State is
now introducing a national system of licensing for non-surgical cosmetic
procedures in England, following his decision to introduce an amendment to the
forthcoming Health and Care Bill. The JCCP places patient safety and public
protection at the heart of all of its activities and has campaigned
relentlessly over the past four years for the implementation of a nationally
approved system of licensing for the aesthetic sector underpinned by mandated
standards for education and training for all practitioners.”
