Updated November 2025
All medical professionals wishing to practise medical aesthetics in Scotland must work from a Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) registered clinic. This ensures that patient safety, governance and quality standards are met consistently across the independent healthcare sector.
This guide provides an overview of current regulations, practising privileges and the steps involved in registering your own clinic with HIS. Always refer to the official HIS website for the most up-to-date information.
Regulations for Practising Medical Aesthetics in Scotland
Aesthetic practitioners in Scotland must comply with national and local legislation, including:
- Healthcare (Scotland) Act 2001
- Professional regulatory body guidance (e.g., GMC, NMC, GDC)
- HIS standards for independent healthcare services
- Clinic-specific policies and protocols
These regulations exist to safeguard patients and ensure all aesthetic procedures are delivered in safe, regulated environments.
Practising Privileges Explained
For many newly qualified practitioners, the simplest and most cost-effective route is to rent a room in an existing HIS registered clinic. This can be by the hour, half-day, full day or evenings.
To work from another provider’s regulated clinic, you must be granted Practising Privileges (PP).
What Are Practising Privileges?
Practising Privileges are formal permissions that allow a healthcare professional to deliver specific treatments within an HIS registered clinic. Before these are approved, the clinic owner or manager must carry out a series of checks to ensure you meet regulatory requirements.
You should expect the clinic to review:
- Professional qualifications and registration
- CPD training and evidence of competency
- Clinical references
- Updated PVG membership
- Insurance
- Your understanding of the clinic’s policies, emergency procedures and governance requirements
Once accepted, you will undergo a full induction and will be required to work strictly under the clinic’s policies and clinical governance framework.
This means you will be working under the clinic’s HIS registration and will not need your own.
Registering Your Own Clinic with Healthcare Improvement Scotland
If you choose to open your own aesthetic clinic in Scotland, you must register it with HIS before offering any treatments.
We strongly advise contacting HIS directly for the most current guidance, as regulations can change.
How to Register
1. Pre-Application: Complete the Pre-Application Form and submit it to HIS. You will then receive login credentials for the online portal.
2. Application Submission: Provide details about your clinic, including layout, staff qualifications and PVG checks, policies, procedures, equipment and governance. HIS provides templates and guidance to help.
3. Premises Compliance: Ensure your clinic meets HIS standards (e.g. hand-washing facilities, ventilation, flooring, sharps disposal). Making adjustments early avoids delays.
4. Fees & Timescales: Pay only when HIS issues a fee notice. Registration typically takes at least 3 months.
5. Inspection & Approval: Expect a 4–6 hour site visit. Approval is granted only when all standards are met.
6. Ongoing Compliance: Maintain up-to-date policies, CPD, record-keeping and staffing. HIS conducts regular inspections and quality reviews.
Useful Resources & Extra Help
HIS Contact: his.ihcregulation@nhs.scot
HIS website: www.healthcareimprovementscotland.scot
