Provides strategic direction and oversight.
Members include representatives from Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (Ahpra), Medical Board of Australia, the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Commission.
Cosmetic Surgery Project
The Commission is supporting reforms to the cosmetic surgery sector, including developing a national licensing framework and safety and quality standards for services where cosmetic surgery is performed.
Overview
On 2 September 2022, Australian Health Ministers announced reforms to ensure doctors performing cosmetic surgery are appropriately qualified and work to the highest health safety standards expected in Australia.
As part of these reforms, the Commission is developing a national licensing framework and safety and quality standards for facilities where cosmetic surgery is performed.
The final draft National Licensing Framework and final draft National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards will be considered by Health Chief Executives and Health Ministers in August 2023.
To inform the development of the National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards, the Commission engaged KP Health to undertake a rapid literature review to identify safety and quality issues relating to cosmetic surgery.
The literature review identified safety and quality risks relating to patient assessment, screening and selection, patient consent, where cosmetic surgery is performed, allogenic implant surgery, complications of cosmetic surgery, continuity of care and cosmetic tourism.
Consultation
The Commission sought feedback on the draft National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards (Cosmetic Surgery Standards) between 1 and 26 May 2023. Feedback received during the public consultation will inform the finalisation of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards.
Program Governance
The Commission has invited organisations with relevant industry experience and clinical knowledge to support the work of the Cosmetic Surgery Project. The Commission’s work is being guided by collaboration and engagement with three committees:
Executive Steering Committee
Cosmetic Surgery Project Advisory Committee
Provides expert subject matter expertise and advice on safety and quality issues relating to cosmetic surgery. This will inform the development of the National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards.
Members include regulators, government agencies, peak organisations, clinicians and cosmetic surgery service providers.
Regulators Working Group
An existing Commission Working Group which provides advice regarding the development of the licensing framework.
Members include the Department of Health and Aged Care and state and territory licensing representatives.
Executive Steering Committee
Provides strategic direction and oversight.
Members include representatives from Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (Ahpra), Medical Board of Australia, the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Commission.
Cosmetic Surgery Project Advisory Committee
Provides expert subject matter expertise and advice on safety and quality issues relating to cosmetic surgery. This will inform the development of the National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards.
Members include regulators, government agencies, peak organisations, clinicians and cosmetic surgery service providers.
Regulators Working Group
An existing Commission Working Group which provides advice regarding the development of the licensing framework.
Members include the Department of Health and Aged Care and state and territory licensing representatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These FAQs outline the process and timing for the development of the National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards and national licensing framework.
More information
For questions and feedback on the Cosmetic Surgery Project please contact the Safety and Quality Advice Centre via AdviceCentre@safetyandquality.gov.au or 1800 304 056.
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