Do Aesthetic Clinics Need to Register with the CQC?
One of the most common questions among aesthetic practitioners in England is whether they need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator for health and social care in England. While the rules differ across the UK - Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have their respective regulatory bodies - the decision to register largely depends on the treatments provided.
What is the CQC?
The CQC monitors, inspects, and regulates healthcare services to ensure they meet high standards of quality and safety. Registration is required for certain regulated activities under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This includes procedures deemed medical or surgical, such as cosmetic surgery or treatments involving prescription-only medications.
When Do Aesthetic Clinics in England Need to Register?
Aesthetic clinics do not need to register with the CQC if they only offer non-surgical aesthetic treatments, such as:
Botox for cosmetic purposes
Dermal fillers for appearance enhancement
Chemical peels
Laser hair removal or intense pulse light (IPL) treatments for non-medical reasons
However, if your practice provides certain regulated treatments, CQC registration is mandatory. These include:
Thread lifting (e.g., PDO threads)
Hair restoration surgery
Liposuction or laser lipolysis
Intravenous drip therapy
Any surgical procedure involving equipment insertion (e.g., facelifts, breast implants)
Administering Botox or fillers for medical purposes, such as hyperhidrosis or chronic migraines
Failing to register when required can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Why Consider CQC Registration?
While not mandatory for all aesthetic clinics, registration can offer several benefits:
Broader Services: CQC-registered clinics can offer a broader selection of treatments requiring medical oversight, such as those involving prescription-only medications or surgery. From a business perspective it makes sense to register with the CQC early on, allowing yourself the room for your business to grow.
Increased Trust: With the alarming stories in the news about unregistered clinics, being registered with the CQC can significantly reassure your clients about your credibility. CQC registration serves as a seal of quality and safety, showcasing your commitment to maintaining a safe and high-standard environment for your patients. This not only enhances your reputation but also boosts clients' confidence in your practice.
Regulatory Preparedness: With potential compliance laws on the horizon, being CQC-registered helps to future-proofs your clinic, saving you time and hassle in the future.
What are the CQC’s Fundamental Standards?
Registered clinics must meet the CQC’s five key standards:
Safe: Protecting clients from harm or abuse.
Effective: Providing evidence-based treatments with positive outcomes.
Caring: Treating patients with respect, compassion, and dignity.
Responsive: Tailoring services to meet individual needs.
Well-Led: Ensuring strong governance, leadership, and quality assurance.
What About Non-CQC Registered Clinics?
Non-CQC registered clinics can still offer many aesthetic procedures but are not subject to the same level of oversight. Clients should ensure practitioners are properly trained and accredited, even if registration is not legally required.
Key Takeaways
Navigating the CQC registration process can be complex, especially for clinics offering advanced treatments.
If you’re unsure whether your services require registration, it is best to consult a regulatory expert or speak with CQC directly.
Though CQC registration may not be a legal necessity for your business currently, the option is still available and offers many benefits for your clinic.
Affinity Care Advisory specialises in compliance support for healthcare providers. If you need help understanding CQC regulations or preparing for registration, contact us today for a free 15 minute consultation with one of our specialist compliance advisors.
