February 13, 2014

expert reaction to the government response to the review of the regulation of cosmetic interventions

The Government responded to a review of cosmetic interventions, led by NHS medical director Prof Sir Bruce Keogh, by announcing a raft of new regulations. 

Stanley Batchelor, on behalf of the Society of Radiological Protection (SRP), said:

“Released today, this response concerns surgical interventions as well as non-surgical work performed by laser / IPL therapists – whether these be doctors, nurses, other healthcare professionals or beauty therapists who may have a variety of qualifications.  SRP’s NIR (non-ionising radiation) Topic Group will be looking at the response in detail but first impressions are that the Government by and large are not going against too many of Sir Bruce Keogh’s recommendations for non-surgical Laser / IPL treatments. There is support for clinical involvement in certain non-surgical cosmetic interventions and this could therefore mean they have serious intent on laser / IPL therapies being overseen by a healthcare professional when performed by therapists who may not be in a regulated profession. They are still exploring legislative options and will work with regulators to progress this.  Some of the measures in The Keogh Report indicate a need for legislation; the government is looking at where this might be needed and at the most appropriate legislative options. There is some degree of focus on assurance of training.”

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/279431/Government_response_to_the_review_of_the_regulation_of_cosmetic_interventions.pdf