New Cosmetic Surgery Reform

New Cosmetic Surgery Reforms – Newsletter Update

Recently Ahpra and the Medical Board have communicated information around new cosmetic surgery reforms. These changes are aimed to provide patients with better protection and include changes to the way patients can access cosmetic surgery procedures and how cosmetic procedures can be advertised.

The new guidelines that come into effect on 1 July 2023 were developed by the Medical Board of Australia and we note only apply to medical practitioners (not dental practitioners). 

While a range of other health practitioners, including dentists, are involved in the performance of cosmetic surgery or procedures, the new guidelines do not apply to you. However, you should keep in mind that dentists are still required to comply with the AHPRA & National Boards ‘Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service’ published in December 2020. 

Under these guidelines and as a reminder to members, advertising of a regulated health service (a service provided by, or usually provided by, a health practitioner) must not:
(a)     be false, misleading or deceptive (or likely to be misleading or deceptive); 
(b)     offer a gift, discount or other inducement, unless the terms and conditions of the offer are also stated; 
(c)     use testimonials or purported testimonials about the service or business; 
(d)    create an unreasonable expectation of beneficial treatment; and 
(e)    directly or indirectly encourage the indiscriminate or unnecessary use of regulated health services.  

ADAQ will continue to monitor these guidelines and notify members of any changes relevant to your practice.