What are Special Procedures?

Under Part 4 of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, you will require a Special Procedures Licence, unless you have an exemption, if you carry out any of the following:

• acupuncture – (including  dry-needling.) 
• body piercing, –
• electrolysis, and
• tattooing – (including  semi-permanent make-up)

If you live outside of Monmouthshire, but wish to work in the County, you will need to apply to Monmouthshire County Council for a licence if this is where you shall conduct most of your work. You will not be required to apply to more than one local authority in Wales. 

Your Special Procedures Licence, when issued, will be valid for the whole of Wales and will remain valid for three years, after which time you will have to apply for a renewal.  For further guidance refer to the following  Welsh Government Update.

I am currently registered with the Local Authority do I still need to apply?

If you are already registered with this Authority for acupuncture, body piercing, electrolysis and tattooing, you will be issued with a transitional licence.  This will enable you to operate while you submit your application.  It does not mean that you have been licensed.

You must apply for a licence before the 1^st March 2025.  Without this licence you will not be able to trade. 

How do I apply for a Special Procedures Licence?

To be eligible to apply for a Special Procedures Licence you must:

• Be 18 years of age or over
• Provide evidence you have completed and hold a Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control for Special Procedures Practitioners (an award that is regulated by Qualifications Wales).  Qualification Wales course providers.
• Provide a copy of a UK valid passport or driving licence (If you have none of these documents the following ID cards are considered suitable, a Biometric residence permit, HM Forces ID card, EEA National ID card, Irish Passport Card, Visa or Work permit)
• Provide a DBS Basic Disclosure, which is not older than 3 months from the date of issue – please provide an electronic or original,  By providing an electronic certificate you are giving permission to share the result with the local authority – Request a basic DBS check – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)   
• provide 1 passport style and size colour photograph
• Pay the appropriate fee
• Provide a completed application form for a Special Procedures Licence

What happens when Monmouthshire receives my application?

Licensing will check that your application is complete.  If there is anything missing we will contact you to obtain further information.  Failure to provide all necessary information with your application, will result in your application being rejected (please refer to the checklist on the application form).      

When a satisfactory application has been received, an officer will contact you to make an appointment to visit you at your place of work.  The visit will consider the following:

• infection control and first aid in the context of the special procedure you intend performing,
• your duties as a licence holder under Part 4 of the Act,
• the mandatory licensing conditions, and
• the implications of non-compliance with the mandatory licensing conditions.

At the end of the visit the officer will discuss any further actions that are required to be rectified before your application can be approved. 

If your application is granted, your name and the details of your special procedure licence will be published on the national special procedures register.

The licence will also list the approved premises and/or vehicles that you included on your application.

Can I apply for a temporary licence?

Temporary licences for a maximum period of 7 days are available to practitioners visiting Monmouthshire to perform a special procedure in an existing business, or at a temporary event, e.g. conventions and festivals. 

You must pay the appropriate fee and submit an application form.