Plans for improving the regulation of Scotland's independent healthcare sector have been unveiled by Scottish health minister Susan Deacon. The proposals have been developed following responses to the Scottish Executive's consultation paper, Regulating Private and Voluntary Healthcare, which was published earlier this year. They include the regulation of private hospitals, designated units within NHS hospitals for private patients, specialist facilities such as laser clinics, plus diet clinics, private GPs and dental practitioners. The proposals will be incorporated into the Regulation of Care Bill, which will be introduced into the Scottish Parliament next month. The bill will establish a Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care, which will also regulate care homes, domiciliary care, adoption and fostering agencies, and early education.