Implementation of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards
The Cosmetic Surgery Standards have been developed for implementation in Australia in every Service where cosmetic surgery is performed. Implementation resources are provided by the Commission to assist Services in fulfilling accreditation requirements.
The Cosmetic Surgery Standards are aligned in structure and intent to the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards (second edition), which are implemented in all Australian hospitals and day procedure hospitals.
Services implementing the NSQHS Standards and Cosmetic Surgery Module
Where cosmetic surgery is performed in a Service already accredited to the NSQHS Standards, that Service will continue to be assessed to the NSQHS Standards but will also be required to implement 20 additional actions specific to cosmetic surgery.
This mechanism will enable a Service to demonstrate compliance against both the NSQHS Standards and the Cosmetic Surgery Standards, while undergoing only one assessment process. This attempts to reduce compliance burden.
Mapping to compare the NSQHS Standards and the Cosmetic Surgery Standards was undertaken by the Commission. This process identified 11 new actions, and 9 partially matched actions. The comparison of both Standards can be seen in the Map of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards to the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards document.
The Commission has also created the Cosmetic Surgery Module which highlights these additional actions, and clarifies what further evidence Services require to meet both Standards.
All safety and quality standards and resources developed by the Commission are reviewed periodically to ensure they reflect contemporary practice and evidence. Relevant changes to the NSQHS Standards will flow to other safety and quality standards as they are updated to assist in implementation of the Standards.
Services implementing the Cosmetic Surgery Standards in full
Where cosmetic surgery is performed in a Service not accredited to the NSQHS Standards, that Service will be required to implement all of the actions specified in the Cosmetic Surgery Standards.
A User Guide for the Cosmetic Surgery Standards is currently in development providing an outline of key tasks, strategies, and resources to support implementation. Services can choose improvement strategies that are specific to their local context, but these should be useful, meaningful, and relevant to the Service’s governance, structure, workforce, and consumers.
More information
For questions and feedback regarding implementation of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards please contact the Safety and Quality Advice Centre via AdviceCentre@safetyandquality.gov.au or 1800 304 056.