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MSPs pass bill to tighten rules on cosmetic procedures
MSPs in the Scottish Parliament have passed the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill which aims to improve safety in Scotland’s non-surgical cosmetic procedure sector.
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The Bill introduces stricter regulation of higher-risk cosmetic procedures which pierce or penetrate the skin, such as Botox and dermal fillers, with a ban on procedures for under-18s. The Bill requires these procedures to be carried out in registered permitted premises, where services are provided or managed by certain regulated health professionals, including registered nurses who are independent prescribers. It will be an offence for a person to provide a procedure outwith permitted premises.
The Bill also gives Ministers the power to specify requirements about the training or qualifications of persons who may provide, or supervise, the provision of a non-surgical procedure.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland will be able to inspect premises where there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence is being committed.
The Scottish Government said it will work with the sector during implementation, with offences under the Bill expected to come into force from September 2027.
Colin Poolman, Executive Director, RCN Scotland said: “These procedures are increasingly popular but can lead to serious and lasting harm, particularly when they are not carried out in a safe, clinical setting by a highly trained professional.
“RCN Scotland has some members involved in the provision of non-surgical cosmetic procedures and our priority is ensuring that appropriately trained professionals are able to carry out these procedures in a way which is safe for those accessing these services. It is our view that a clear and robust regulatory regime benefits service users, but it also benefits professionals by ensuring consistent, high standards and a level playing field for those providing these services.”
The Bill also gives Ministers the power to specify requirements about the training or qualifications of persons who may provide, or supervise, the provision of a non-surgical procedure.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland will be able to inspect premises where there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence is being committed.
The Scottish Government said it will work with the sector during implementation, with offences under the Bill expected to come into force from September 2027.
Colin Poolman, Executive Director, RCN Scotland said: “These procedures are increasingly popular but can lead to serious and lasting harm, particularly when they are not carried out in a safe, clinical setting by a highly trained professional.
“RCN Scotland has some members involved in the provision of non-surgical cosmetic procedures and our priority is ensuring that appropriately trained professionals are able to carry out these procedures in a way which is safe for those accessing these services. It is our view that a clear and robust regulatory regime benefits service users, but it also benefits professionals by ensuring consistent, high standards and a level playing field for those providing these services.”
