The reasons behind the introduction of a licensing scheme
Find out more on the background of the licensing scheme and what this means
In April 2022, the Health and Care Act gave the secretary of state for health and social care the power to introduce a licensing regime for aesthetic non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England.
The purpose of the scheme is to ensure that consumers who choose to undergo a non-surgical cosmetic procedure can be confident that the treatment they receive is safe and of a high standard.
The Government advises that ‘any licensing scheme for cosmetic treatments must strike a balance between protecting the public and building confidence in the safety of the industry, whilst respecting consumer choice and encouraging innovation. All cosmetic procedures have some risks and can lead to serious complications if not correctly done.
These risks are greater where the person carrying out the procedure is not sufficiently knowledgeable or trained, where they use unregulated products or when the procedure is carried out at unsuitable premises. The current regulatory framework places few restrictions on who can perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
The Government recognises the concerns about the lack of regulation in this field and the potential dangers that this poses to public safety.
We want to ensure public safety and public protection by making sure that any future legally enforceable regulatory framework enables consumers to make informed and safe choices when undergoing procedures which have the potential to cause serious injury or harm’.
‘At present, competent practitioners who operate to high standards of best practice in relation to training, health and hygiene often find themselves in competition with practitioners and businesses with low levels of competence and who lack appropriate training in the procedures they offer.'
Although many providers within the aesthetics industry provide treatment in line with best practice when it comes to patient safety, licensing will ensure consistent standards.
It will also result in a reduction of unacceptable variations of effective practice and protect individuals from the potentially harmful physical, emotional and psychological impacts of poorly performed cosmetic procedures.
The Government goes on to advise that ‘the licensing scheme will ensure that those who offer these procedures are suitably knowledgeable, trained and qualified, hold appropriate indemnity cover and operate from premises which meet the necessary standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
Under the proposed scheme, which will be operated by local authorities (LAs) in England, practitioners will need to be licensed to perform specific procedures’.
The Government have opened a consultation, which is a crucial and impactful part of the planning phase for the new licensing scheme. This gives practitioners the opportunity to express their opinions regarding the proposal which will help to shape the future of the sector.
