AHPRA and the Medical Boards have announced a review of cosmetic surgery regulation following recent revelations about several celebrity cosmetic surgeons. Indications of regulatory failure predate those revelations and there has been extensive public criticism such as that noted here.
AHPRA states
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:
a. 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;
b. the methodology for risk assessment of cosmetic surgery notifications
c. the Ahpra investigation protocol;
d. the management of advertising offences, and;
e. 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. For the purpose of making its recommendations, the review is requested to consider approaches adopted by professional regulators in other countries.
The primary focus will be on cosmetic surgery because that poses the greatest risk. However, the recommendations of this review may be relevant to the work of Ahpra and relevant National Boards in the cosmetics sector more widely.
