Cosmetic clinics on brink, prices to surge amid injectables crackdown

Cosmetic nurses are warning a state government-enforced change to how injectable procedures are delivered could lead to patients risking ‘black market’ products.

Under new legislation nurses at cosmetic clinics can deliver injectable products, but only under the direction of an authorised prescriber.

Cosmetic nurses are warning an injectables crackdown enforced by the Queensland Government could lead to higher prices and patients risking products from a “black market”.

The latest move to tighten regulations has prompted some clinics to pause injectable services while they assess compliance with new interpretations of the Medicines and Poisons Act.

The Queensland Aesthetic Nurses United — a collective of cosmetic nurses advocating for safer, fairer regulation of the industry – will host a rally at Parliament House in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Registered nurse Kate Sowden, co-founder of BeautyFULL clinic, warns the regulations could force compliant clinics to close due to financial strain and reliance on single doctors.

She said the rise of cosmetic clinics lacking proper medical oversight was putting patient safety at risk. But tighter regulations could force clinics that have followed the rules to close.

“I can imagine that for other clinics who don’t have access to a doctor, this could mean a new six-figure salary cost to have a doctor on-site full time,” she said.

Under the Medicines and Poisons Act, only prescribers who retain exclusive custody and control of S4 cosmetic medicines may store them on-site.

Nurses may administer such medicines, but only under the direction of an authorised prescriber and not from their own stock.

In Brisbane, there have been 224 personal appearance services issued with a license in the past 24 months, of these 60 have “implanting’ idenftied as an activity.

Data released to The Courier-Mail has revealed Brisbane City Council has received 11 complaints relating to the provision of cosmetic injectables in the past 24 months.

Nurse Kate Sowden who has more than 15 years of experience in cosmetic medicine. Picture: Liam Kidston

QANU co-founder Megan McRae said the recent clarifications effectively prevented nurses from lawfully storing or administering commonly used cosmetic medications even under the direction of a prescriber.

Ms McRae said while she was not against strengthening laws she warned that the proposed pharmacy dispensary model could increase patient risk and lead to a “black market” of injectables.

“We really want to avoid the scenario whereby this change potentially creates a black market in injectables because the perceived demand and supply is misaligned,” she said.

“Risks pushing services underground, increasing patient risk, and making nurse-led care inaccessible for many.”

Ms McRae said many family owned practices would face increased operating costs potentially leading to closures and higher treatment costs.

“Without a pathway like a Poisons Licence, hundreds of nurse-led clinics are facing forced closure leaving nurses without a flexible income that they need around their families,” she said.

“If you’re paying a lease or a mortgage, and on top of that you’re paying all these extra fees, which only pass on so much to the patient before they just go, this is not an economically viable option.”

The QANU has launched a petition that has attracted more than 5000 signatures, reflecting widespread concern ahead of the rally on Tuesday.

Union member Rhianne Honore of By the Bay Cosmetics in Hervey Bay has paused all S4 injectable treatments, saying it’s already “significantly” impacted her small business and patient access.

A Queensland Health spokesman said while they had not closed any clinics due to non compliance it would “educate clinics on how to be compliant as soon as possible.”

“Queenslanders who receive medical treatments and procedures deserve to feel informed, safe, and confident in their service provider – this includes cosmetic injectables,” the spokesman said.