Karnataka brings spas and salons under KPME Act to curb unqualified cosmetic procedures

New order mandates registration for all beauty centres offering clinical cosmetic treatments, tightening oversight on Botox, fillers, laser therapies and allied health services.

The Karnataka government has introduced a major regulatory shift for the beauty and wellness industry by bringing spas, salons and cosmetic centres offering clinical-grade procedures under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, 2007. The decision follows increasing reports of cosmetic treatments being carried out by unqualified individuals without medical supervision.

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As per the government order issued on November 18, any establishment providing services such as Botox injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser treatments, skin rejuvenation therapies, body contouring, liposuction, hair transplantation, IV hydration therapy or hormone optimisation must be formally registered under the KPME framework.

The mandate also extends to a wide range of allied health professionals operating in fields such as audiology, behavioural health, nuclear medicine technology, occupational therapy, optometry, orthotics and prosthetics, osteopathy, podiatry, clinical psychology, radiation therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, sonography and speech pathology.

The move aims to ensure that only trained and certified medical professionals handle procedures that involve clinical risk. Authorities have observed a rise in cosmetic services being marketed as regular beauty treatments, despite the need for qualified medical oversight.

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Under the new direction, the health department will prioritise the registration of all existing service providers before initiating enforcement actions against centres functioning without authorisation. The order seeks to introduce accountability, standardise procedures and strengthen public safety across Bengaluru and other parts of the state.