Who is going to bell the cat?

The recent approval of the “Sara Law“The law, which regulates the qualifications and competencies required to perform cosmetic surgery procedures, appears to be a fundamental step forward in ensuring patient safety. However, this law also leads us to a crucial question: who will be in charge of enforcing it? In other words, who is going to bell the cat? Patients, for the most part, have neither the knowledge nor the ability to verify whether the doctor who is offering them an intervention has the appropriate qualifications. When a person goes to a clinic looking for a cosmetic change, they have full confidence that the health institution and the attending physician have the necessary experience and credentials. Unfortunately, however, we know that this is not always the case. On the other hand, clinics and anesthesia services play a key role in this issue. They do have the information and the power to veto the presence of intrusive physicians who lack the relevant training. Despite this, responsibility is often diluted. Some clinics prioritize economic profit and allow professionals without the required competencies to operate, putting patients’ health at risk. This is one of the most serious problems and one of the most difficult to control. If we want real change, it is essential that these institutions become actively involved and enforce the law from within. The health departments of the autonomous communities also have a great responsibility in this area. It is up to them to ensure that the “Sara Law” does not remain a dead letter. They have the obligation to exercise rigorous control over medical practice in their territories, but the question is: how are they going to do it? The challenge lies in the effective monitoring and the capacity to sanction with forcefulness those who do not comply with the regulations. Without an adequate monitoring system, the legislative effort will be of little use. For this law to be effectively enforced, a multifaceted approach involving all responsible actors is needed. Here are some solutions that could make the success of the “Sara Law” possible:
1. creation of a Public Registry of Accredited Professionals specific to cosmetic surgery: health boards could develop and maintain an online registry that includes all professionals accredited to perform cosmetic surgery procedures.
This registry should be accessible to both patients and clinics.
Thus, patients would have a reliable source for consultation and would be able to make informed decisions. 2. Mandatory Visible Certification: Each professional performing cosmetic surgery procedures should be obliged to display their certification and accreditation in a visible place, both in the clinic and in their online profiles.
In this way, any patient can quickly verify if the professional complies with the legal requirements. 3. Audits and Strong Sanctions: Health councils should carry out periodic and surprise audits in clinics and esthetic centers, reviewing the qualifications of the professionals operating there.
In addition, sanctions for those who fail to comply should be clear and dissuasive, with the possibility of high fines, closure of facilities and even disqualification to practice. Shared Responsibility with Anesthesia Services: Anesthesiologists also play a key role, as they are actively involved in most procedures.
Anesthesia services may be required to verify and validate the surgeon’s qualifications before agreeing to assist in a procedure. This would generate a cross-check that would increase patient safety. 5. Encourage Whistleblowing and Whistleblower Protection: Create safe channels for reporting irregular practices, both for clinic workers and patients.
Often, professionals fear reprisals if they report to colleagues or superiors, so ensuring confidentiality and protection is essential to uncover malpractice. 6. Awareness campaigns: At the public level, it is necessary to educate patients about the importance of verifying the credentials of the professional who is going to operate on them.
Awareness campaigns could help to reduce the ignorance that exists on these issues and make patients take a more active role in the protection of their health.
In short, the “Sara Law” is a positive step towards greater regulation and control of cosmetic surgery procedures, but its effectiveness will depend on the will and coordination between all the actors involved.
Only if clinics, anesthesiologists, health councils and patients collaborate actively, will it be possible to put the cat out of the bag and guarantee the safety and wellbeing of those who seek to improve their physical appearance without endangering their lives.