National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards

Setting the Benchmark for Cosmetic Surgery: Why ACHS Accreditation is the preferred choice.

Cosmetic Surgery in Australia is transforming. ACHS is proud to be an approved accrediting agency for the National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards (the Cosmetic Surgery Standards), introduced by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) to improve the safety and quality of cosmetic surgery services across Australia.



Whether you're a licensed cosmetic surgery facility or a health service offering cosmetic procedures, ACHS provides a trusted pathway to accreditation that supports excellence, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Who the standards apply to?

These standards apply to any facility performing invasive cosmetic procedures - whether standalone or part of a broader health service.

If your organisation is already accredited to the NSQHS Standards, ACHS offers a streamlined pathway to add the Cosmetic Surgery Module, reducing duplication and compliance burden.

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Assessment Pathways

There are two options for assessment, and we help you choose the approach that suits your organisation. Our expert team guides you through every step, ensuring your team is well-prepared. 

1

Standalone Cosmetic Surgery Standards Accreditation

2

Integrated NSQHS + Cosmetic Surgery Module Assessment

The Cosmetic Surgery Standards

Overview

The Standards set a national benchmark for safety and quality in cosmetic surgery. There are seven standards and a total of 101 actions that address the unique risks of cosmetic procedures.

1. Clinical Governance

26 actions

Establishes the leadership, accountability, and systems needed to ensure safe, high-quality cosmetic surgery care.

2. Partnering with Consumers

13 actions

Ensures services are person-centred, with patients and consumers fully informed and involved in decisions about their care.

3. Preventing and Controlling Infections

19 actions

Minimises the risk of infection for patients, staff, and visitors, and promotes responsible use of antimicrobials.

4. Medication Safety

12 actions

Ensures medicines are prescribed, dispensed, administered, and monitored safely, and that patients understand their medicines.

5. Comprehensive Care

12 actions

Provides coordinated, individualised care that addresses patient’s needs and preferences, reducing the risk of harm.

6. Communicating for Safety

10 actions

Promotes effective, timely, and accurate communication among clinicians, patients, and carers to ensure safe, continuous care.

7. Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration

10 actions

Ensures early recognition and appropriate response to any acute deterioration in a patient’s physical, mental, or cognitive condition.



Cosmetic Surgery Module

Overview

For organisations already accredited to the NSQHS Standards, the Cosmetic Surgery Module integrates seamlessly and includes an additional five standards and 20 actions not covered by the NSQHS Standards.

1. Clinical Governance

8 additional actions

2. Partnering with Consumers

6 additional actions

3. Medication Safety

3 additional actions

4. Comprehensive Care

2 additional actions

5. Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration

1 additional actions



The ACHS Difference

EXPERT HELP & SUPPORT

EXPERT HELP & SUPPORT

A dedicated ACHS customer service professional will provide unlimited support and advice throughout the assessment process.

HIGHLY SKILLED ASSESSORS

HIGHLY SKILLED ASSESSORS

ACHS has the largest cohort of experienced assessors, based in all Australian States and Territories and has demonstrated capacity across all sectors and services. Our assessor team are your main source of guidance and support during assessment time. 

EASY-TO USE ONLINE TOOLS

EASY-TO USE ONLINE TOOLS

User-friendly and secure accreditation tools to easily submit data online as part of the assessment preparation. Our integrated system will ensure seamless communications, minimal document upload, access to resources, news and training.

RESOURCES & EDUCATION

RESOURCES & EDUCATION

ACHS Members have access to a library of customised education, fact sheets and resources. We also provide access to discounted Improvement Academy training & exclusive free events for Members. 

RECOGNITION & AWARDS

RECOGNITION & AWARDS

Achieving ACHS accreditation takes teamwork, dedication and a commitment to continuous improvement. We provide a guide on how to showcase this achievement to your consumers and local community. ACHS Members can participate in our Annual Quality Initiatives (QI) Awards and gain national recognition for your quality improvement projects.

Next Steps >

ACHS is Australia’s most trusted and experienced healthcare accreditation service.

Contact us today to find out how we can support you with Cosmetic Surgery Standards Accreditation by filling in the form or call 02 9281 9955.