To ask the Minister of Health (i) for his assessment of current regulations surrounding non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including the minimum age a person can avail of these treatments; and (ii) to detail the qualifications and training required to administer Botox and lip filler treatments.

Under the Independent Health Care Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) regulate clinics providing certain laser or intense pulsed light cosmetic treatments and these providers are required to undergo the appropriate training etc. However, those carrying out treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers are not required to register with RQIA. There are no qualifications legally required to administer Botox or dermal fillers.

My Department’s Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) carried out an enforcement and compliance programme into the provision of Botox over a 6 month period. Initial investigations and assessments have been conducted into over 200 individual providers of Botulinum Toxin Type A. Shortcomings in prescribing processes and breaches of advertising legislation have been identified. Those in breach of legislation have been issued formal advice and warning notices where appropriate and have moved into legal compliance in the vast majority of cases investigated. In addition, formal referrals have been made to professional bodies, e.g. GMC where appropriate. The MRG continues to monitor the situation.

My Department is aware of the changing health and social care environment, notably around cosmetic treatments, and has carried out a fundamental review of health and social care regulatory framework. My officials have developed a new draft regulatory policy that includes the principles of regulation, along with the broad scope of services to be regulated and the proposal that the regulator should have wider powers of enforcement etc. This work has been the first phase of the process before moving on to phase 2. As part of my Department’s response to the pandemic the launch of the consultation on phase 1 was delayed. Before a draft policy is consulted upon it will be subject to further review taking into account any additional lessons from the pandemic and any other regulatory and quality issues that have emerged over the past few years.

It is my intention that a Review of Regulation will be taken forward during the current mandate of the Assembly. This Review of Regulation will also include an assessment of current standards in order to consider whether any further assurances are required.