AHPRA commissions review into cosmetic surgery

It has almost become commonplace on Tik Tok and Instagram and even shopping centres across the country to promote cosmetic procedures without adequate information about the risks surrounding such procedures observed Alan Kirkland, CEO of CHOICE and panel member of an AHPRA review into cosmetic surgery. The spike in this area has led to the review of the current regulatory framework to ensure patient safety and to prevent harm.  

The independent review of the regulations of healthcare practitioners in the cosmetic surgery industry was announced on 30 November 2021. The review is due to report by mid 2022. Commissioned by AHPRA and the Medical Board of Australia and led by outgoing Queensland Health Ombudsman, Andrew Brown with Mr Kirkland, Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan, Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and Ms Richelle McCausland, National Health Practitioner Ombudsman. 

The review will consider 3 main points:

• Patient safety issues in the cosmetic surgery sector, including how to strengthen risk-based regulation of practitioners in the industry
• AHPRA and the National Boards’ regulatory approach in keeping up the pace with rapid changes in the cosmetic surgery industry
• Recommendations to AHPRA and the Medical Board of Australia about actions that will better protect the public.

The review will help ensure there is greater accountability in the regulation of cosmetic surgery in Australia.

Scope of the review

The review will inquire and report on: 

1. The regulatory role of AHPRA and relevant National Boards in cosmetic surgery with particular attention to its risk-based approach focusing on:  
   1. updates to codes of conduct and supporting guidance which aim to ensure that practitioners practise safely within the scope of their qualifications, training and experience
   2. the methodology for risk assessment of cosmetic surgery notifications
   3. the AHPRA investigation protocol 
   4. the management of advertising offences, and
   5. opportunities for changes, clarifications or further actions in relation to the current regulatory approach to protected titles. 
2. The way AHPRA works with other system regulators to ensure clear roles and responsibilities and appropriate information flows in support of the broader regulatory framework which involves a range of state, territory and national regulators. 
3. The best means available to strengthen the safety reporting culture within cosmetic surgery to address barriers to health professionals raising concerns when a practitioner has practised in ways that depart from accepted professional standards.
4. Strategies relevant to the role of AHPRA and National Boards as a regulator of the registered health professions to reduce information asymmetry for consumers in order to inform safer choices and informed consent. 
5. Provide a contemporary view of current risks to patient safety in cosmetic surgery and how they should inform the work of AHPRA and relevant National Boards. 

You can view the full announcement here

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