A new Bill to regulate some of the most commonly performed non-surgical procedures has been published by the Scottish Parliament.
If passed by parliament, the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill will regulate the provision of certain non-surgical cosmetic and wellbeing procedures to ensure they are carried out in appropriate settings which can meet standards of safety and hygiene.
It will create new offences for providing non-surgical procedures outwith premises where appropriate healthcare professionals are available or to under 18s. It will also give Healthcare Improvement Scotland new powers to enter and search premises where there is a suspicion that these procedures are being carried out in breach of these offenses.
The Bill covers cosmetic and wellbeing procedures, such as Botox injections and dermal fillers, and some of the riskiest including ‘Brazilian Butt Lifts’ and thread lifts.
The Bill does not include establishing a licensing scheme for lower risk (previously referred to as Group 1) procedures such as laser treatments which would be licensed by Local Authorities, the Scottish Government intends to lay an order under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
In a 2020 public consultation on the Regulation of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in Scotland 98% of respondents supported the principle of further regulation of procedures led by those who are not qualified healthcare professionals.
A further consultation on the details of a proposed licensing and regulation scheme asked for views on categories of procedures to be licensed as well as a minimum age restrictions. Responses to that consultation informed the development of the Bill.
Businesses seeking guidance on adapting to the requirements of the Bill will be able to access free support through Business Gateway. Additionally, FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot offers a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities, helping them navigate to change.
