Finally, regulatory reform draws nearer.

Did you know that practitioners who administer non-surgical cosmetic treatments aren’t legally required to have any qualifications? Surprising but sadly true. So procedures in the U.K. such as Botox injections, Dermal fillers, chemical peels and laser hair removal can legally be performed by anyone, whatever their level of training, medical or otherwise.

For many years Absolute Image has been pressing for the implementation of a government regulatory body to police the industry. Only then will we see safety levels for all U.K. patients reach the standards that all reputable aesthetic practitioners adhere to.

With this in mind, great news from the BACN (British Association of Cosmetic Nurses) of which Jill is a member. They and the BCAM (British College of Aesthetic Medicine) are joining forces to establish a new regulatory body for the cosmetic medicine sector in England. This will be called the JCCP (Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners). Patient safety will be at the forefront of this initiative.

Please read the joint press release below from the BACN and the BCAM. Lets hope for the safety of all patients these initiatives come to fruition.

Joint BACN/BCAM Press Release – Establishment of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners(JCCP)

The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN) and the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) are delighted to announce that they have reached agreement to coordinate a process for establishing a new oversight/regulatory body for the cosmetic medicine sector in England.

Patient safety will be at the heart of this initiative as daily we hear stories of poor treatment and lack of accountability.Both the BACN and BCAM actively participated in the Health Education England (HEE) consultation following the publishing of the Keogh Review in 2014 on the sector and have been discussing how to move forward together with regard to implement the HEE outcomes, post Keogh and provide oversight to the sector.

The need for an independent body to oversee the delivery of safe treatment for the public in this rapidly growing area of activity is overwhelming and support for such a body was identified/clarified in the HEE national stakeholder review.The BACN and BCAM membership represents the vast majority of medical professionals carrying out cosmetic medicine treatments.

The BACN and BCAM with the support of the Department of Health and the industry will be working together with regard to the establishment of a new Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP).This follows on from the publication of the HEE Final Report on the sector on 8th January 2015 where the principle of establishing such a body was supported.

BACN and BCAM have agreed to work together on the implementation of a framework for the JCCP with a clear remit, structure and sustainable financial model. Both the BACN and BCAM welcome the involvement of the other Professional Medical Associations involved in cosmetic treatments at this initial stage of the development of the JCCP as well as other key groups involved in cosmetic medicine.

The BACN and BCAM will develop a series of initial options for the proposed Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners and establish a Professional Standards Board under the guidance of the newly appointed Independent Interim Chair – Professor David Sines CBE.

A summary of the initial thinking and an embryonic structure has been developed that the BACN and BCAM believe will be acceptable to the many stakeholders involved (these ideas are set out in the accompanying documents to this press release).Professor Sines led many of the stakeholder meetings during the HEE consultation and as such is totally familiar with the issues for the sector and the numerous stakeholders.

Under the guidance of Professor Sines the BACN and BCAM will over the next 12 months undertake the initial development work to establish the JCCP building on the consultation process that has taken place over the last 18 months. The process will be opened up to the other Professional Associations (criteria to be agreed by BACN and BCAM and independent chair) and then to the rest of the industry stakeholders facilitated by the BACN and BCAM. BACN and BCAM will be seeking the support of both industry and Government to finance this development activity over the next 12 months. The finance will be used to facilitate the process and to bring in additional professional expertise as and when required.

Sharon Bennett – Chair of the BACN said,‘The case for the establishment of an industry led oversight body for the cosmetic medicine sector focussing on delivering patient safety has been overwhelming. The BACN and BCAM felt there was no time to waste once the HEE published its final report and by coming together with a clear plan for its establishment we can demonstrate that we have patient needs and safety at the forefront of our thinking’.

Paul Charlson – President of BCAM said, ‘The BCAM is delighted to be working with the BACN and the rest of industry stakeholders on the implementation of a framework for regulating the industry. The support of the Department of Health in this area has been fundamental in order to give this initiative credibility. It can only work with the full support of all parties and we will be as inclusive as we can in order to achieve an outcome that will be credible and workable’.

Professor David Sines said, ‘I am delighted to be offered the role of Interim Chair of the new joint Council for Cosmetic Practice (JCCP). Over the next 12 months I will endeavour to engage with all parts of the industry to deliver a financially stable and effective body with a clear remit and credibility’.