Bill to regulate non-surgical procedures published

If passed, 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 offences.

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 follows a consultation carried out in 2020, which found 98 per cent of respondents supported the principle of further regulation of procedures led by those who are not qualified healthcare professionals.

Businesses seeking guidance on adapting to the requirements of the bill will be able to access free support through Business Gateway.

Public health minister Jenni Minto said: “Our aim is to ensure there is robust and proportionate regulation in place so that anyone who chooses to have these procedures can do so safely.

“We have worked with a range of stakeholders including business owners, healthcare professionals, non-healthcare practitioners, environmental health officers and professional regulators to develop our proposals.

“Our priority is to address the public safety concerns that exist in this sector, whilst ensuring businesses that may be impacted are able to access support.”