The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) says new regulatory guidelines on non-surgical cosmetic procedures are a critical step in reinforcing public safety and provide long overdue clarity to nurses and other health practitioners working in this field.
The standards must be enforced adequately to deliver a new era of professionalism in the cosmetics sector, to uphold the high standard of care expected within the health system.
"The vast majority of nurses in the cosmetics sector are practising to the best of their ability within the current frameworks, but the regulatory environment has been unclear and unsettling for them," ACN Director of Leadership and Transformation, Jen Harland FACN, said.
"The new guidelines will bring clarity to their practice to help them comply with regulations."
ACN welcomes the new requirements, including that registered and enrolled nurses attain mandated levels of experience prior to entering the cosmetics field; and that cosmetics injectables prescribers must have a face-to-face or video consultation with the consumer prior to the procedure.
There has been too much confusion about the prescribing and management of injectable products in the cosmetics sector. The new guidelines make it clear that practitioners must comply with their state or territory drug and poison legislation relating to the supply and storage of Schedule 4 medications.
ACN also welcomes the strengthened standards on advertising higher risk non-surgical procedures, including the inclusion of health practitioners' registration details in advertising; stronger requirements around the use of influencer testimonials; and a ban on using images of people aged under 18 years old in advertising.
"There cannot be advertising that trivialises cosmetic procedures, and we welcome the ban on advertising that is targeted at those aged under 18 years old," Ms Harland said
"Not only can cosmetics sector advertising prey on the insecurities of vulnerable people, but it can also create unrealistic expectations. It is vital that consumers are fully aware that the administration of injections for cosmetic purposes are medical procedures with attendant risks and dangers."
ACN looks forward to working with peak bodies to improve standards of care in the delivery of cosmetic procedures and nursing education in this space. ACN will be reviewing its cosmetics courses to ensure compliance with the new guidelines and will be supporting its members to understand the new requirements and limitations.
