News
29 September, 2023
New laws to crack down on cosmetic cowboys
THE Queensland Government has passed an amendment to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 aimed at safeguarding Australians against “cosmetic cowboys”.
Changes to the national law — which is hosted by Queensland — will protect the title of ‘surgeon’ within the medical profession.
These changes mean only qualified doctors with significant surgical training can use the title ‘surgeon’ when promoting and conducting their services.
Doctors who use the title without having completed the appropriate accredited surgical training will face up to three years in prison and a $60,000 fine.
Other measures being taken to better regulate the cosmetic surgery industry include new licensing standards for private facilities and establishing a credentialing system to endorse qualified providers.
The Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency is also moving to introduce stronger laws around advertising and the use of online influencers and brand ambassadors to promote cosmetic procedures.
