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The Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers Bill has been formally introduced to the Scottish Parliament

  • October 15, 2025
Tracy Green

According to official statements, the Bill aims to ensure that non-surgical procedures are safe, hygienic, and properly regulated. A key concern is the potential for physical or psychological harm to children and young people from these procedures.

Part 1 of the Bill would make it illegal to provide certain treatments to anyone under 18. Specifically, it targets procedures that pierce or penetrate the skin,
fall outside the health service, are not delivered by healthcare providers (HCPs) or regulated professionals for treating illness, and are not covered by licensing under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, which allows local authorities to license and regulate various public activities.

HCPs include professionals registered with bodies such as the General Medical Council (GMC), General Dental Council (GDC), General Optical Council (GOC), General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), General Chiropractic Council (GCC), General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The Bill also makes it an offence to provide non-surgical procedures outside permitted premises, which includes independent hospitals or clinics registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS). To support enforcement, the Bill grants HIS expanded powers to inspect, regulate, and ensure compliance.
Where offences are committed by organisations, the Bill allows authorities to hold responsible individuals personally accountable, especially if consent, collusion, or neglect contributed to the offence.

Procedures conducted for the NHS or by healthcare professionals for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of illness are explicitly excluded from the legislation.

Finally, the Bill provides the Scottish Government with the authority to introduce additional restrictions and requirements in the future. This may cover who can provide these procedures, necessary training or qualifications, and how regulations are enforced.

England should not be too far behind in keeping patients safe. If you feel you may need CQC registration in England, get in touch for an initial discussion.