In April 2013, an independent review of the regulation of cosmetic interventions in the UK was published, highlighting an insufficient amount of regulation in this industry by the UK government, due in part to the rapid growth of cosmetic procedures in the United Kingdom. Cases such as unauthorized (and potentially defective) materials being used in procedures has forced the UK government to acknowledge that the level of regulation of cosmetic procedures must increase. The UK government responded to this review in February 2014 by unveiling a set of actions that will be taken to address the current dearth of cosmetic regulation and legislation, and ensure that the quality of care is improved. Among these actions are the introduction of a code of conduct, an ombudsman, and accredited qualification of practitioners. Some of these actions have already been initiated.
For more information on the government's response and proposed changes, read the full alert written by Reed Smith lawyers John Wilkinson, Nicola Maguire, and Adam Lewington, and trainee Daryl Cue.
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