Hamilton Fraser Cosmetic Insurance welcomes proposal to introduce national system of licensing

In its latest move to safeguard patients who access non-surgical cosmetic treatments, the Government has announced its intention to introduce a new system of licensing in England for cosmetic procedures.

An amendment to the Health and Care Bill (tabled on 1 March 2022), would give the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care the power to introduce a licensing regime for botulinum toxin and fillers. The ‘scope and details’ of the new regulations will be determined via extensive engagement, including a public consultation.

Hamilton Fraser welcomes this positive step towards mandating the industry. Commenting on the move, Eddie Hooker, CEO, said:

“We are delighted that the Government is building on the momentum set in motion by the injectables ban on under 18s, by taking this next step on the road towards much needed regulation of the cosmetic sector. At Hamilton Fraser, we are committed to raising standards in the sector in collaboration with the JCCP, government and other stakeholders.

The harm caused by botched cosmetic procedures carried out by rogue practitioners is totally unacceptable. Not only does it cause mental and physical scarring to patients, but it is damaging to those in the industry who follow good practice when it comes to patient safety. We would urge all our customers to engage with the public consultations, and will be sharing details on the public consultation once they have been set out.”

– Eddie Hooker, CEO of Hamilton Fraser

The legislation will make it an offence to perform non-surgical procedures without a licence and aim to bring in consistent standards that people carrying out non-surgical cosmetic procedures must meet, as well as setting out hygiene and safety standards for premises.

This latest move follows a momentous moment for the cosmetic sector last October when the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021 came into effect, banning invasive nonsurgical cosmetic treatment involving the insertion of dermal fillers, or the injection of toxins, on any person under the age of 18 without an explicit medically determined reason. Read more about Hamilton Fraser’s response to the injectables ban for cosmetic purposes on under 18s.

For further details on this latest announcement, read the press release from the JCCP, which includes the following statement from Professor David Sines CBE, the Chair and Registrar of the JCCP.

“The JCCP was delighted to receive confirmation that the Secretary of State is now minded to introduce a national system of licensing for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England following his decision to introduce an amendment to the forthcoming Health and Care Bill.

The JCCP places patient safety and public protection at the heart of all of its activities and has campaigned relentlessly over the past four years for the implementation of a nationally approved system of licensing for the aesthetic sector underpinned by mandated standards for education and training for all practitioners.”

– Professor David Sines CBE, the Chair and Registrar of the JCCP