National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards
The National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards were developed to support national sector reforms. They aim to protect the public from harm and improve the quality of cosmetic surgery in Australia.
New implementation resources
New resources are now available to support implementation of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards and the Cosmetic Surgery Module.
Reform to the cosmetic surgery industry
In September 2022, Australian Health Ministers announced urgent reforms to the cosmetic surgery sector. This was in response to concerning reports of patient harm. As part of these reforms the Commission developed a National Licensing Framework and the National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards (Cosmetic Surgery Standards).
Cosmetic Surgery Standards
The Cosmetic Surgery Standards are person-centred and describe the processes and structures that are needed to deliver safe and high-quality clinical care.
Resources to support implementation and prepare for accreditation are available on the Implementation of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards page.
Cosmetic Surgery Module
Where cosmetic surgery is performed in a service already accredited to the NSQHS Standards, the Cosmetic Surgery Module provides a limited set of additional actions that Services are required to implement to address the specific safety and quality risks that are unique to cosmetic surgery.
Organisations completing the NSQHS Standards and the Cosmetic Surgery Module will be assessed in a single assessment process, thereby reducing compliance burden.
Resources to support implementation and prepare for accreditation are available on the Implementation of the Cosmetic Surgery Module page.
Accreditation pathways
Implementation of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards or Cosmetic Surgery Module is required for every Service in Australia where cosmetic surgery is performed. A ‘Service’ may range from small day procedure clinics through to large health organisations. Any surgery that poses a significant risk to a patient should be undertaken in a Service that is appropriately licensed and is required to meet expected national safety and quality standards, including cosmetic surgery.
There are two different assessment pathways for Services providing cosmetic surgery:
- Services seeking accreditation to the Cosmetic Surgery Standards
- Services seeking accreditation to the NSQHS Standards plus the Cosmetic Surgery Module.
There are some differences in the accreditation requirements for the two pathways. Separate accreditation and implementation resources have been developed for each pathway.
Background
The Commission's work compliments other reforms, including:
- Protection of the title 'surgeon' through legislative amendments
- Stronger conduct and advertising guidelines released by the Medical Board of Australia (MBA)
- Introduction of a Cosmetic Surgery Area of Practice Endorsement by the MBA.
These reforms collectively aim to improve safety and quality within the cosmetic surgery sector and ensure that people seeking cosmetic surgery can make informed choices.
To inform the development of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards, the Commission sought a rapid review of current literature on patient safety and quality risks for cosmetic. The review was conducted by KP Health.
Webcast launch
The Cosmetic Surgery Standards were officially launched on 14 December 2023, following broad consultation with consumers, clinicians, services, professional and peak bodies, regulators and other representatives of the sector.
Frequently asked questions
These FAQs provide some further information about the intent of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards and Cosmetic Surgery Module, and how services can begin implementation.
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.