Recommendation 6

The Committee has gathered extensive evidence of a huge variability in the quality of training and qualifications available to and held or undergone by those currently providing non-surgical procedures. The Committee is firmly of the view that establishing clear and appropriate standards in this area will be critical to the Bill’s successful implementation and enforcement. In this context, the Committee seeks assurance from the Scottish Government that secondary legislation related to the Bill (including Scottish and UK legislation) governing training, qualifications and standards will address the following:
UK-wide alignment of education and training standards;
ensuring all providers are suitably trained and qualified in health protection and infection control;
ensuring all providers are similarly suitably trained and qualified to be able to undertake patient mental health screening and to ensure properly informed consent;
ensuring all providers have a suitable level of training and qualification to be able to manage complications safely and effectively should they arise;
ensuring that people are unable to act as providers if the training they have received falls short of recognised standards.