Government Sees The Light On Cosmetic Laser Deregulation, UK

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With news that the Government will not deregulate Class 3B and 4 Lasers and Intense Pulse Light Sources (IPL) on 1 October 2008 as planned*, Jenny Driscoll, Health Campaigner, Which? says:



"We're delighted the Government has listened to consumers and industry, deciding not to deregulate cosmetic laser treatments in October**. Thousands more people would have been needlessly harmed or scarred if the proposals had gone ahead***, and it is encouraging to see that the consultation process has been effective.



"Now the Government must take the time to have a serious, in-depth look at this rapidly expanding industry. Current and future regulations must not only be effective and robust, but policed efficiently in clinics across the country, making sure consumers are protected. Laser treatments should change lives for the better, not the worse."




* Private and Voluntary Healthcare, Care Standards Act 2000, Regulations and National Minimum Standards, Consultation Document


** The Government published its consultation paper on Private and Voluntary Health Care: Care Standards Act 2000' in March 2008 which included partial deregulation of lasers and intense pulsed light sources - Class 3B or Class 4 laser products and intense pulsed light (IPL).


***The Government stated that cosmetic laser deregulation could cost the NHS an extra ??1.8 million a year as well as doubling the rate of 'adverse incidents' such as people getting burns. (