The Independent Health Care Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005

Prescribed techniques or technology

4.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), for the purposes of Article 2 of the Order, “listed services” include treatment using any of the following techniques or technology –

(a) a Class 3B or Class 4 laser product, as defined in Part I of British Standard EN 60825-1 (Radiation safety of laser products and systems)(1);

(b) an intense light, being broadband non-coherent light which is filtered to produce a specified range of wavelengths; such filtered radiation being delivered to the body with the aim of causing thermal, mechanical or chemical damage to structures such as hair follicles and skin blemishes while sparing surrounding tissues;

(c) endoscopy; and

(d) in vitro fertilisation techniques, being treatment services for which a licence may be granted under paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990(2).

(2) Listed services shall not include treatment using the following techniques or technology –

(a) treatment for the relief of muscular and joint pain using an infra-red heat treatment lamp;

(b) treatment using a Class 3B laser where such treatment is carried out by or under the supervision of a health care professional; and

(c) the use of an apparatus (not being an apparatus falling within paragraph (1)(b), for acquiring an artificial suntan, consisting of a lamp or lamps emitting ultraviolet rays.

(3) Paragraph (7) of Article 2 of the Order shall be modified by adding at the end of sub-paragraph (d) (cosmetic surgery) the following –

• “other than –

  (i)

  ear and body piercing;

  (ii)

  tattooing;

  (iii)

  the subcutaneous injection of a substance into the skin for cosmetic purposes; and

  (iv)

  the removal of hair roots or small blemishes on the skin by the application of heat using an electric current.”

(1)

Copies of BS EN 60825-1 may be obtained from BSI Customer Services, 389 Chiswick Road, London W4 4AL

(2)

1990 c. 37