What ACAMS Is / What ACAMS Is Not

The American Council of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (ACAMS) is committed to transparency, professional integrity, and clear communication regarding its role in the global aesthetic medicine and surgery ecosystem.

This page clearly defines what ACAMS does and does not do to ensure accurate understanding and legal compliance.

What ACAMS Is

1. An Independent Professional Standards Organization

ACAMS is an independent, non-governmental professional body that develops and maintains international standards for aesthetic medicine and surgery.

2. An Accreditation Authority

ACAMS evaluates and accredits:

Clinics and hospitals
Training academies and educational institutions
Professional programs in aesthetic medicine and surgery

Accreditation reflects alignment with ACAMS quality, safety, and ethical benchmarks.

3. A Board Certification Body

ACAMS offers voluntary board certification to qualified medical professionals based on:

Credential verification
Knowledge and competency assessment
Professional ethics and ongoing development

Board certification recognizes professional competency within defined scopes.

4. A Quality Rating & Benchmarking Entity

ACAMS provides institutional rating frameworks to:

Promote transparency
Encourage continuous improvement
Benchmark performance against international best practices

5. A Global Professional Framework Provider

ACAMS supports:

Continuing professional development (CPD) frameworks
Ethical practice guidelines
International collaboration and professional recognition

What ACAMS Is Not

1. Not a Government or Statutory Authority

ACAMS is not a government body and does not operate under statutory or regulatory authority in any jurisdiction.

2. Not a Medical Licensing Authority

ACAMS does not issue medical licenses, practice permits, or legal authorization to practice medicine or surgery.

3. Not a University or Degree-Awarding Institution

ACAMS does not:

Function as a university or college
Enroll students as an academic institution
Award government-recognized academic degrees or diplomas

4. Not a Replacement for Local Laws or Regulations

ACAMS accreditation and board certification do not replace:

National medical councils
Professional licensing bodies
Local healthcare regulations

Professionals and institutions must comply with all applicable local laws.

5. Not an Employment or Practice Guarantee

ACAMS credentials:

Do not guarantee employment
Do not assure clinical privileges
Do not imply legal endorsement by any government authority

Legal & Ethical Commitment

ACAMS operates with a strict commitment to:

Transparency
Ethical governance
Voluntary participation
International best practices

All services provided by ACAMS are independent, voluntary, and non-statutory in nature.

Important Notice

Use of ACAMS accreditation, board certification, logos, or designations is permitted only in accordance with ACAMS branding and usage policies and must not imply governmental approval or legal authorization.