Pharmacists involved in "special treatments" (which includes, for example, acupuncture, aromatherapy, body-piercing, beauty treatments, chiropody, sauna, sunbeds, manicure and ear-piercing) should contact their local authority for advice on whether they need to register with it.
Under the London Local Authorities Act 1991 or the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1982, local authorities have the option to impose the requirement to register, and the Professional Standards Directorate is aware of a number of authorities that have chosen to do so.
A complete list of regulated treatments will be available from those authorities which have adopted the regulations together with the terms and conditions of registration.
Pharmacists are reminded also to ensure that they have adequate insurance for such activities.
An occasional feature, prepared in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Professional Standards Directorate, to highlight problems and inquiries currently being handled