SICPRE Congress in Bari addresses plastic surgery regulations

The 74th National Congress of the Italian Society of Reconstructive, Regenerative and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (SICPRE) is being held in Bari from September 23 to 26, 2026. Presided over by Maurizio Ressa, the event covers a wide range of specialties, including hand surgery, gender affirmation, and aesthetic procedures.

A major focus of the congress is the introduction of new regulatory measures to enhance patient safety and define professional competencies. Undersecretary of Health Marcello Gemmato announced an amendment to the healthcare services decree aimed at preventing unauthorized individuals from performing plastic surgery, a practice that has led to severe injuries and deaths.

Additionally, Deputy Minister of Justice Francesco Paolo Sisto discussed the potential ‘Schillaci-Sisto’ law. This proposed legislation seeks to update existing frameworks to ensure that healthcare professionals, including plastic surgeons, are held criminally liable only in cases of gross negligence, aiming to improve working conditions for medical specialists.