The public has an opportunity to participate in a review of the cosmetic surgery industry in NSW, Health Minister Jillian Skinner announced today.
A discussion paper has been posted on the NSW Health website. Submissions will close on January 29.
In NSW, cosmetic surgery can be performed by a range of medical practitioners, from specialist plastic surgeons to GPs. While practitioners are subject to the standards set by the Medical Board of Australia, several recent cases have raised concerns about the regulation of facilities in which procedures are performed.
“NSW Health is considering whether further legislation of the cosmetic industry in required,” Mrs Skinner said.
“The discussion paper launched today will enable stakeholders and industry groups, as well as the general public, to make submissions which will help inform any future legislative changes.
“Patient safety is paramount. The discussion paper will assess whether current licensing requirements for facilities are adequate to protect patients.
“Public feedback on experiences and expectations will be a valuable.”
Cosmetic surgery facilities are currently only required to be licensed under the Private Health Facilities Act if patients are administered general, epidural or major regional anaesthetic or sedation, resulting in more than conscious sedation.
The discussion paper will consider whether there should be a new class of cosmetic surgery facility required to be licensed and, if so, how that class would be defined and what standards should apply.
The discussion paper can be accessed at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/legislation/Pages/regulations.aspx
