RQIA checks a treatment register entry every time the laser or IPL is used, a treatment record for every client with consent, skin assessment and settings, the register of authorised operators, the laser safety file and the annual appointment of a laser protection adviser. It inspects every cosmetic laser and IPL service at least once a year, against Standard 48 of the Minimum Care Standards and its 2026 to 2027 provider guidance.12
Where the requirements come from
In Northern Ireland, cosmetic laser services register as independent hospitals. Standard 48 of the Minimum Care Standards for Independent Healthcare Establishments covers laser and intense light sources, and applies to services using Class 3B or 4 lasers and intense light.2 RQIA's provider guidance for cosmetic laser and IPL services sets out what inspectors look for under each domain.1
The records, one by one
| Record | What it must show |
|---|---|
| Treatment register | Every use of the equipment, with the person treated, the date, the operator, the treatment, the precise exposure and any accident or adverse incident |
| Treatment record | Client details, medical history, signed consent form, skin assessment and patch test where appropriate, and the treatment delivered including shots and fluence |
| Consultation | An appointment with the authorised operator who will carry out the procedure, documented in the treatment record |
| Authorised operators | A register kept up to date, training in laser and intense light safety, and a signature accepting the local rules and protocols |
| Medical treatment protocols | Written by a named registered medical or dental practitioner, and kept under review |
| Local rules and safety file | How the equipment is operated safely, with a risk assessment by the laser protection adviser at least every three years |
| Laser protection adviser | Written confirmation of their appointment and duties, renewed every year |
| Servicing | A detailed record of all servicing and repairs |
Alongside these, RQIA looks for a client register in line with Schedule 3 Part II of the 2005 Regulations, secure storage, ICO registration where applicable, written information on effects, risks and costs, and an annual client satisfaction survey with a summary report.1 In a January 2025 inspection of an IPL service, RQIA found the client feedback area from the previous year met.3
- Reconcile the treatment register. Check that every session in the diary has a register entry with operator, treatment and exposure.
- Sample ten treatment records. Each should show medical history, signed consent, skin assessment, patch test where needed, and the settings used.
- Update the operator register. Every operator authorised, trained and signed against the current local rules and protocols.
- Check the laser protection adviser. Appointment confirmed in writing this year, and the risk assessment within three years.
- Pull the servicing record. Every service and repair for each machine, with dates.
- Collate client feedback. This year's survey summary and the action plan that came from it.
- Client ______ Consultation with operator on ______
- Medical history taken ______
- Consent signed on ______
- Skin assessment ______ Patch test ______
- Treatment, shots and fluence ______
- Register entry made, operator ______ Exposure ______
- Follow up arranged ______
Other services RQIA regulates
If you also run a private doctor service, RQIA expects you to follow that guidance too.1 The guide to preparing for an RQIA private doctor inspection covers it, and the RQIA hub covers registration and the four domains.
Questions
What does wai keep for a laser treatment?
wai keeps the booking, the consent, the signed consultation note and the client's conversation for every treatment, each with a time and a name.
How often does RQIA inspect cosmetic laser services?
At least once a year. Inspections are usually announced, and RQIA may inspect unannounced in response to concerns.
Who can write the medical treatment protocols?
A named registered medical or dental practitioner who is trained and experienced in the relevant discipline, and who keeps the protocol under review.
Sources
- 1RQIA, 2026RQIA Provider Guidance 2026-2027, Independent Health Care, Cosmetic Laser/Intense Pulse LightRead source
- 2Department of Health, 2014Minimum Care Standards for Independent Healthcare Establishments, July 2014Read source
- 3RQIA, 2025Inspection Report, Elise Clinic, 28 January 2025Read source
Written by the wai team from Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority guidance, checked on 15 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. RQIA does not endorse wai or any software.