Members of the Scottish Parliament have voted in favour of the Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill.
Under the proposed legislation, which was first introduced on October 8, non-surgical cosmetic procedures for under-18s would be banned, with controls imposed on procedures such as dermal fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling and cellulite treatments.
The Bill would also stipulate that treatment must only be carried out in Care Quality Commission (CQC) approved premises such as GP surgeries, dental practices, pharmacies and registered private clinics. Treatments must also be overseen by a healthcare professional, such as those registered on the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), General Dental Council (GDC) and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
If approved, the Bill would hold individuals within organisations personally liable for offences and authorise the Scottish Government and local authorities to introduce further restrictions, including requirements on who may provide procedures and the training or qualifications they must hold.
During the debate in the Scottish Parliament on February 5, members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) from all major parties expressed broad support for the principles of the Bill, enabling it to pass Stage 1 with little opposition.
The debate was led by Jenni Minto, Scottish National Party MSP for Argyll and Bute. MSPs emphasised that Stage 2 amendments will be critical in addressing concerns about how the transition to a new regulatory framework will be supported, including the development of guidance, safety and standards, and detailed licensing arrangements.
British College of Aesthetic Medicine’s (BCAM) chief operating officer, Sadie Van Sanden Cooke, commented, “BCAM welcomes the Scottish Parliament’s vote in favour of the Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill as a decisive step toward long-overdue regulation in aesthetic medicine. Non-surgical procedures are not risk-free, and patients deserve assurance that those delivering them are appropriately trained, insured, accountable and working within robust clinical governance frameworks. We strongly support proportionate, risk-based regulation that prioritises patient safety, aligns medical practitioners with existing GMC standards, and brings clarity and consistency to a sector that has evolved rapidly without sufficient oversight.”