EU recommendations could hinder therapists’ work in injectable treatments
Beauty professionals should not carry out injectable treatments, according to the draft of a new EU Standard.
As the industry awaits the outcome of the Keogh Review this month, an EU Standard committee is in the process of putting together its own set of recommendations for the industry across the Union.
The Aesthetic Surgery and Aesthetic Non-Surgical Medical Services Standard is intended to provide recommendations for best industry practice throughout Europe.
Although still in draft form, the current position of the standard is that in the UK, only medically qualified professionals, including dentists and nurses, should be permitted to deliver injectable cosmetic treatments.
Mike Regan, chair for British Standards Institution’s (BSI) committee to Standard, said: “It's the consensus view of the committee that injectable treatments should be carried out by medically qualified practitioners.” He added that this includes nurses and dentists, but no further groups.
However, the current position is that beauty professionals should be able to carry out laser and IPL procedures, adhering to industry standards and regulations.
Under represented
Leading consultation for the UK’s contribution to the Standard is the BSI, and a committee of representatives from professional associations, including British Association of Dermatologists, Independent Healthcare Advisory Services and the British Association of Aesthetic Cosmetic Doctors.
The Standard committee is working closely with a separate EU committee, Beauty Care Services, which includes representative from Habia, BABTAC and other beauty industry associations. However, there is no involvement in The Aesthetic Surgery and Aesthetic Non-Surgical Medical Services Standard Committee from Habia, or any association speaking on behalf of beauty professionals.
Habia MD Rob Young said: “The lack of beauty industry consultation in the EU Review concerns us. The apparent view of the committee is that beauty professionals should be able to administer laser and IPL treatments. We cannot see why the same logic is not extended to injectable treatments. We believe that a fully informed and responsible decision on the issue is impossible whilst those administering the treatments – namely beauty professionals – are excluded.”
Young went on to say that Habia felt a training and recognition model that allowed sector professionals to continue delivering certain treatments would be appropriate. This supports Habia’s plan to launch a not-for-profit professional register for beauty therapists that sets an industry standard that professionals must adhere to. He added that this “would address the concerns of government and enhance consumer protection and confidence.”
Have your say
The outcome of the Standard may not mean bad news for Britain’s beauty therapists however. Regan explains that this is only a guideline of best practice, not EU legislation. It will be up to the UK government if they decide to implement the Standard’s recommendations in law.
The current draft of the Standard is due for its second public consultation in the coming weeks. The initial public consultation took place last autumn, and received more than 600 comments from the UK alone.
The overwhelming response led to a redraft of the Standard – which was originally titled The Aesthetic Surgery Services – to account for the extensive market of non-surgical cosmetic procedures that exists around Europe. The redraft is due for a second public consultation on 20 March.
Regan says the committee expects the Standard to be published in 2014.
Any therapists, salon owners or beauty professionals interested in the Standard can register their comments during the second round of public consultation, which will begin on 20 March. To register your comments follow this link and type in the Standard's number, prEN 16372.
