Medical Policy
Policy Num: 08.001.031
Policy Name: Chemical Peels
Policy ID: [8.001.031] [Ac / B / M+ / P+] [8.01.16]
Last Review: January 15, 2025
Next Review: January 20, 2026
Related Policies:
02.001.069 - Dermatologic Applications of Photodynamic Therapy
Population Reference No. | Populations | Interventions | Comparators | Outcomes |
1 | Individuals: · With actinic keratoses | Interventions of interest are: · Dermal chemical peels | Comparators of interest are: · Watchful waiting · Topical or oral medications · Photodynamic therapy · Cryosurgery · Surgical resection | Relevant outcomes include: · Symptoms · Morbid events · Quality of life · Treatment-related morbidity |
2 | Individuals: · With moderate-to-severe active acne | Interventions of interest are: · Epidermal chemical peels | Comparators of interest are: · Topical or oral medications | Relevant outcomes include: · Symptoms · Morbid events · Quality of life · Treatment-related morbidity |
A chemical peel is a controlled removal of various layers of the skin with the use of a chemical agent. The most common use of chemical peeling is the treatment of photoaged skin. Chemical peeling has also been used for other conditions, including actinic keratoses, active acne, and acne scarring.
For individuals who have actinic keratoses who receive dermal chemical peels, the evidence consists of a systematic review involving 8 studies - 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 2 non-randomized controlled trials, and 2 single-arm studies. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, morbid events, quality of life, and treatment-related morbidity. Data analysis and interpretation of results were challenged by the high risk of bias of the primary studies, their imprecision, the variability of their peeling application protocols, and their focus on short-term clearance rates. Additional controlled studies, preferably randomized, are needed. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.
For individuals who have moderate-to-severe active acne who receive epidermal chemical peels, the evidence includes an RCT. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, morbid events, quality of life, and treatment-related morbidity. Results from the single, small, randomized, placebo-controlled, split-faced trial found greater efficacy with active treatment than with placebo. However, no studies were identified comparing chemical peel agents with conventional acne treatment. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.
Clinical input obtained in 2010 supported the use of chemical peels for treating multiple actinic keratoses.
Clinical input obtained in 2010 supported the use of chemical peels as second-line treatment of active moderate-to-severe acne.
The objective of this evidence review is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of chemical peels for the treatment of actinic keratoses and moderate-to-severe acne.
Dermal chemical peels used to treat individuals with numerous (>10) actinic keratoses or other premalignant skin lesions, such that treatment of the individual lesions becomes impractical, may be considered medically necessary.
Epidermal chemical peels used to treat individuals with active acne that has failed a trial of topical and/or oral antibiotic acne therapy are considered medically necessary. In this setting, superficial chemical peels with 40% to 70% alpha hydroxy acids are used as a comedolytic therapy. (Alpha-hydroxy acids can also be used in lower concentrations [8%] without the supervision of a physician.).
Epidermal chemical peels used to treat photoaged skin, wrinkles, or acne scarring or dermal peels used to treat end-state acne scarring are considered cosmetic and investigational .
Requests for all chemical peels should be carefully evaluated to determine whether the rationale is primarily cosmetic. Epidermal peels would be considered medically necessary in individuals with active acne who have failed other therapy because active severe acne may lead to acne scarring and may be psychologically painful leading to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Dermal peels would be considered medically necessary in individuals with multiple actinic keratoses because these premalignant lesions may warrant destruction or removal as an alternative to watchful waiting. Other applications of chemical peels, including treatment of photoaged skin, wrinkles, and acne scarring, are considered cosmetic.
See the Codes table for details.
The approach to the use of chemical peels for the treatment of active acne and post-acne scarring will depend on benefit language related to definitions of medically necessary, reconstructive, and cosmetic services. Some Plans may consider active acne a disease and, thus, its treatment is eligible for coverage, while the treatment of post-acne scarring may be considered cosmetic because the active disease is no longer present. Other Plans may consider the treatment of post-acne scarring to be reconstructive. Procedures are considered reconstructive when intended to address a significant variation from normal related to accidental injury, disease, trauma, treatment of a disease, or congenital defect. Not all benefit contracts include benefits for reconstructive services. Benefit language supersedes this document.
Making the distinction between active and inactive acne can be difficult. However, simultaneous treatment with either antibiotics or tretinoin is an indication that the patient has an active ongoing disease.
Benefits are determined by the group contract, member benefit booklet, and/or individual subscriber certificate in effect at the time services were rendered. Benefit products or negotiated coverages may have all or some of the services discussed in this medical policy excluded from their coverage.
Chemical peels involve a controlled partial-thickness removal of the epidermis and the outer dermis. When skin is regenerated, a 2- to 3-mm band of dense, compact collagen is formed between the epidermis and the damaged layers of the dermis, resulting in the ablation of fine wrinkles and a reduction in pigmentation. These changes can be long-term, lasting 15 to 20 years and may be permanent in some individuals. Potential local complications include scarring, infection, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, activation of herpes simplex, and toxic shock syndrome.1,
Chemical peels are often categorized by the depth of the peel: categories include superficial, medium-depth, and deep chemical peels. The precise depth of the peel depends on the concentration of the agent used, the duration of the application, and the number of applications. Possible indications for each type of peel and common chemicals used, as described by Cummings et al (2005)2, and others, is as follows.
Superficial peels (epidermal peels) affect the epidermis and the interface of the dermis-epidermis. This depth is considered appropriate for treating mild photoaging, melasma, comedonal acne, and postinflammatory erythema. Common chemical agents used for superficial peels include low concentrations of glycolic acid, 10% to 20% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), Jessner solution (a mixture of resorcinol, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and ethanol), tretinoin, and salicylic acid. As part of the treatment process, superficial peels generally cause mild erythema and desquamation, and healing time ranges from 1 to 4 days, depending on the strength of the chemical agent. With superficial peels, patients often undergo multiple sessions, generally, 6 to 8 peels performed weekly or biweekly.
Medium-depth peels (dermal peels) extend into the epidermis to the papillary dermis. They are used for moderate photoaging, actinic keratoses, pigmentary dyschromias, and mild acne scarring. In the past, 50% TCA was a common chemical agent for medium-depth peels, but its use has decreased due to high rates of complications (eg, pigmentary changes, scarring). Currently, the most frequently used agent is a combination of 35% TCA with Jessner solution or 70% glycolic acid. Phenol 88% alone is also used for medium-depth peels. The healing process involves mild-to-moderate edema, followed by the appearance of new, erythematous epithelium. Individuals are advised to wait at least 3 months before resuming skincare services (eg, superficial chemical peels) and repeat medium-depth chemical peels should not be performed for at least 1 year.
Deep chemical peels (another type of dermal peel) penetrate the mid-reticular dermis and have been used for patients with severe photodamage, premalignant skin neoplasms, acne scars, and dyschromias. The most common chemical agent used is Baker solution (which consists of 3 mL of 88% phenol, 8 drops of hexachlorophene [Septisol], 3 drops of croton oil, 2 mL of distilled water). The same depth can be achieved using 50% or greater TCA peel; however, the latter has a higher risk of scarring and pigmentation problems. Phenol is cardiotoxic, and patients must be screened for cardiac arrhythmias or medications that could potentially precipitate an arrhythmia. Phenol can also have renal and hepatic toxicities.
The likelihood and potential severity of adverse events increase as the strength of the chemicals and the depth of peels increases. With deep chemical peels, there is the potential for long-term pigmentary disturbances (ie, areas of hypopigmentation), and selection of individuals willing to always wear makeup is advised. Moreover, chemical peels reduce melanin protection, so patients must use protective sunscreen for 9 to 12 months after a medium- to deep-facial peel.
Chemical peels are a potential treatment option for actinic keratoses and moderate-to-severe acne. Actinic keratoses are common skin lesions associated with extended exposure to the sun, with an estimated prevalence in the U.S. of 11% to 26%.3, These lesions are generally considered to be a precursor of squamous cell carcinoma.4, The risk of progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma is unclear, but estimates vary from 0.1% to 20%.3, For patients with multiple actinic keratoses, the risk of developing invasive squamous cell carcinoma is estimated as being between 0.15% and 80%. Treatment options include watchful waiting, medication treatment, cryosurgery, and surgical resection.
Acne vulgaris is the most common skin condition among adolescents, affecting an estimated 80% of teenagers aged 13 to 18 years old.5, Acne, particularly moderate-to-severe manifestations, can cause psychologic distress including low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. There are a variety of oral and topical treatments for acne.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance or approval of chemical agents used in peeling may not be relevant because these agents are prepared in-office, may have predated FDA approval, and/or may be considered cosmetic ingredients.
The evidence review was created in April 1998. It has been updated regularly with searches of the PubMed database. The most recent literature update was performed through October 25, 2024.
Evidence reviews assess the clinical evidence to determine whether the use of technology improves the net health outcome. Broadly defined, health outcomes are the length of life, quality of life (QOL), and ability to function, including benefits and harms. Every clinical condition has specific outcomes that are important to patients and managing the course of that condition. Validated outcome measures are necessary to ascertain whether a condition improves or worsens; and whether the magnitude of that change is clinically significant. The net health outcome is a balance of benefits and harms.
To assess whether the evidence is sufficient to draw conclusions about the net health outcome of technology, 2 domains are examined: the relevance, and quality and credibility. To be relevant, studies must represent 1 or more intended clinical use of the technology in the intended population and compare an effective and appropriate alternative at a comparable intensity. For some conditions, the alternative will be supportive care or surveillance. The quality and credibility of the evidence depend on study design and conduct, minimizing bias and confounding that can generate incorrect findings. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is preferred to assess efficacy; however, in some circumstances, nonrandomized studies may be adequate. RCTs are rarely large enough or long enough to capture less common adverse events and long-term effects. Other types of studies can be used for these purposes and to assess generalizability to broader clinical populations and settings of clinical practice.
Promotion of greater diversity and inclusion in clinical research of historically marginalized groups (e.g., People of Color [African-American, Asian, Black, Latino and Native American]; LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual); Women; and People with Disabilities [Physical and Invisible]) allows policy populations to be more reflective of and findings more applicable to our diverse members. While we also strive to use inclusive language related to these groups in our policies, use of gender-specific nouns (e.g., women, men, sisters, etc.) will continue when reflective of language used in publications describing study populations.
The purpose of dermal chemical peels for individuals who have actinic keratosis is to provide a treatment option that is an alternative to or an improvement on existing therapies.
The following PICO was used to select literature to inform this review.
The relevant population of interest is individuals with actinic keratosis.
The therapy being considered is dermal chemical peels.
The following therapies are currently being used to treat actinic keratosis: watchful waiting, medication treatment, cryosurgery, surgical resection, and photodynamic therapy.
The general outcomes of interest are destroying actinic keratosis, the durability of this effect, the development of cancerous lesions, QOL, and the harms of associated treatment-related morbidities.
The relevant follow-up is within weeks for the efficacy of treatment and years for the occurrence of cancerous lesions.
Methodologically credible studies for the indications within this review were selected using the following principles:
To assess efficacy outcomes, comparative controlled prospective trials were sought, with a preference for RCTs;
In the absence of such trials, comparative observational studies were sought, with a preference for prospective studies.
To assess long-term outcomes and adverse events, single-arm studies that capture longer periods of follow-up and/or larger populations were sought.
Studies with duplicative or overlapping populations were excluded.
Steeb et al (2020) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the efficacy and safety of chemical peels for the treatment of actinic keratosis.6, A summary of the 8 trials included in the systematic review is shown in Table 1. This includes 4 RCTs, 2 non-randomized controlled trials, and 2 single-arm studies. Characteristics and results of the systematic review are summarized in Tables 2 and 3. Data analysis and interpretation of results were challenged by the presence of multiple study designs and the investigation of multiple distinct comparisons. The studies included in the review were at a high risk for selection bias because only one study clearly described the generation of a random sequence and performed allocation concealment. None of the patients in the studies were blinded; blinding of the outcome assessor was described in one study. Additionally, the chosen efficacy outcomes refer to short-term clearance rates but may not reflect long-term results. Overall, the authors concluded that additional high-quality studies and a standardization of peeling protocols were warranted in order to appropriately determine the value of chemical peeling as a treatment for actinic keratoses.
Trials | Systematic Review |
Steeb et al (2020)6, | |
Alfaro et al (2012)7, | ● |
Di Nuzzo et al (2015)8, | ● |
Holzer et al (2017)9, | ● |
Kaminaka et al (2009)10, | ● |
Lawrence et al (1995)11, | ● |
Marrero et al (1998)12, | ● |
Sandoval Osses et al (2010)13, | ● |
Sumita et al (2018)14, | ● |
Study | Dates | Trials | Participants | N (Range) | Design | Duration |
Steeb et al (2020)6, | Until August 2019 | 8 | Adults with a clinical or histopathological diagnosis of actinic keratosis | 170 (13 to 32) | 4 RCTs 2 non-randomized controlled trials 2 single-arm studies | NR |
Study | Clearance Rate | Lesion-Specific Clearance | Mean Lesion Reduction Rate per Patient | Treatment-Related Pain (VAS) |
Steeb et al (2020)6, | ||||
TCA vs. PDT (n = 2 studies) | ||||
Crude rate | 0% (0/13) vs. 15.4% (2/13)a | 66.1% (80/121) vs. 82.1% (101/123) 60.5% (214/354) vs. 82.6% (317/384) | 65.9 ± 12.6 vs. 81.9 ± 12 51.1 ± 28.7 vs. 78.7 ± 26.2 | 7.31 ± 1.55 vs. 8.38 ± 1.56 5.1 ± 2.6 vs. 7.5 ± 2.3 |
Effect estimate | RR, 0.20 (95% CI, 0.01 to 3.80)a | RR, 0.75 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.82) | MD, -20.48 (95% CI, -31.55 to -9.41) | MD, -1.71 (95% CI, -3.02 to -0.41) |
TCA + Jessner's solution vs. 5-FU (n = 2 studies) | ||||
Crude rate | 15% (3/20) vs. 35% (7/20) 13.3% (2/15) vs. 46.7% (7/15) | 81.7% (201/246) vs. 89% (202/227) | 79.2 ± 19.5 vs. 89.6 ± 17.4 | NR |
Effect estimate | RR, 0.36 (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.90) | RR, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.85 to 0.99)a | MD, -10.4 (95% CI, -23.63 to 2.83)a | NR |
GA + 5-FU vs. GA (n = 1 study) | ||||
Crude rate | 22.2% (4/18) vs. 0% (0/18) | 92.7% (217/234) vs. 15.8% (39/247) | 92.1 ± 5.5 vs. 17.4 ± 8.7 | NR |
Effect estimate | RR, 9.0 (95% CI, 0.52 to 155.86) | RR, 5.87 (95% CI, 4.39 to 7.85) | MD, 74.7 (95% CI, 69.95 to 79.45) | NR |
Phenol peeling (n = 1 study) | ||||
Crude rate | 90.62% (29/32) | NR | NR | NR |
5-FU + GA (n = 1 study) | ||||
Crude rate | 30% (6/20) | 92% (322/350) | NR | NR |
The evidence consists of a systematic review involving 8 studies - 4 RCTs, 2 non-randomized controlled trials, and 2 single-arm studies. Data analysis and interpretation of results were challenged by the high risk of bias of the primary studies, their imprecision, the variability of their peeling application protocols, and their focus on short-term clearance rates. Additional controlled studies, preferably randomized, are needed to determine the effect of chemical peels on the net health outcome in patients with actinic keratoses.
For individuals who have actinic keratoses who receive dermal chemical peels, the evidence consists of a systematic review involving 8 studies - 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 2 non-randomized controlled trials, and 2 single-arm studies. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, morbid events, quality of life, and treatment-related morbidity. Data analysis and interpretation of results were challenged by the high risk of bias of the primary studies, their imprecision, the variability of their peeling application protocols, and their focus on short-term clearance rates. Additional controlled studies, preferably randomized, are needed. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.
Dermal chemical peels used to treat patients with numerous (>10) actinic keratoses or other premalignant skin lesions, such that treatment of the individual lesions becomes impractical, may be considered medically necessary.
[ ] Investigational |
The purpose of epidermal chemical peels for individuals who have moderate-to-severe active acne is to provide a treatment option that is an alternative to or an improvement on existing therapies.
The following PICO was used to select literature to inform this review.
The relevant population of interest is individuals with moderate-to-severe active acne.
The therapy being considered is epidermal chemical peels.
The following therapies are currently being used to treat active acne: topical or oral medications.
The general outcomes of interest are the resolution of severe acne and the harms of treatment-related morbidities.
The relevant follow-up is within weeks for the efficacy of treatment.
Methodologically credible studies for the indications within this review were selected using the following principles:
To assess efficacy outcomes, comparative controlled prospective trials were sought, with a preference for RCTs;
In the absence of such trials, comparative observational studies were sought, with a preference for prospective studies.
To assess long-term outcomes and adverse events, single-arm studies that capture longer periods of follow-up and/or larger populations were sought.
Studies with duplicative or overlapping populations were excluded.
RCTs comparing chemical peels to topical or oral medications for moderate-to-severe acne were not identified; the majority of studies evaluating the use of chemical peels for acne were in patients with mild-to-moderate disease. Of note, Kaminaka et al (2014) conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial using a split-face design in Japan that evaluated 26 patients with moderate-to-severe facial acne.15, Patients with moderate acne had 6 to 20 inflammatory lesions and up to 20 noninflammatory lesions; patients with severe acne had 21 to 50 inflammatory lesions. Failure of previous treatments was not an explicit inclusion criterion. Patients had to undergo a washout period of 2 months before study participation during which they could not use topical or oral antibiotics, retinoids, or corticosteroids. Participants then received a chemical peel treatment on a randomly selected side of the face, and a placebo peel on the other side of their face. Both treatments used the same pH acid gel vehicle (pH, 2.0) and the active treatment was a glycolic acid 40% peel. Treatments were given every 2 weeks for a total of 5 applications, and follow-up occurred 2 weeks after the last session (ie, at 10-week follow-up). The overall therapeutic effect was judged by a blinded dermatologist as excellent or good for 23 (92%) of the chemical peel sides and 10 (40%) of the placebo sides; the difference between groups was statistically significant (p<.01). Moreover, there were statistically significant reductions in inflammatory lesions, and total lesion counts at each 2-week assessment and at the final 10-week assessment. No serious side effects or systemic adverse events were reported.
No RCTs comparing chemical peels to topical or oral medications in patients with moderate-to-severe acne were found. One placebo-controlled randomized trial was identified using a split-faced design with 26 patients who had moderate-to-severe acne. Outcomes (eg, overall therapeutic effect) were significantly better in the chemical peel group. However, this trial testing a single chemical peel protocol in a relatively small number of patients provides insufficient evidence from which to draw conclusions about the safety and efficacy of chemical peels for treating active moderate-to-severe acne.
For individuals who have moderate-to-severe active acne who receive epidermal chemical peels, the evidence includes an RCT. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, morbid events, quality of life, and treatment-related morbidity. Results from the single, small, randomized, placebo-controlled, split-faced trial found greater efficacy with active treatment than with placebo. However, no studies were identified comparing chemical peel agents with conventional acne treatment. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.
**Epidermal chemical peels used to treat patients with active acne that has failed a trial of topical and/or oral antibiotic acne therapy are considered medically necessary. In this setting, superficial chemical peels with 40% to 70% alpha hydroxy acids are used as a comedolytic therapy. (Alpha-hydroxy acids can also be used in lower concentrations [8%] without the supervision of a physician.).**
[ ] Investigational |
The purpose of the following information is to provide reference material. Inclusion does not imply endorsement or alignment with the evidence review conclusions.
While the various physician specialty societies and academic medical centers may collaborate with and make recommendations during this process, through the provision of appropriate reviewers, input received does not represent an endorsement or position statement by the physician specialty societies or academic medical centers, unless otherwise noted.
In response to requests, input was received from 3 physician specialty societies and 4 academic medical centers while this policy was under review in 2010. Input was consistently in agreement with the medically necessary indications for dermal and epidermal chemical peels. Several reviewers supported the use of chemical peels for post-acne scarring.
Guidelines or position statements will be considered for inclusion in ‘Supplemental Information' if they were issued by, or jointly by, a US professional society, an international society with US representation, or National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Priority will be given to guidelines that are informed by a systematic review, include strength of evidence ratings, and include a description of management of conflict of interest.
In 2024, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) published guidelines on the management of acne vulgaris, which included the following statement on chemical peels16, :
"Available evidence is insufficient to develop a recommendation on the use of...chemical peels (including glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, Jessner's solution, or mandelic acid)...for the treatment of acne."
In 2021, the AAD published guidelines on the management of actinic keratosis, which gave a conditional recommendation based on moderate quality of evidence for the use of specific chemical peels for actinic keratosis.17, The recommendation stated: "For patients with AKs [actinic keratosis], we conditionally recommend treatment with ALA [aminolevulinic acid]-red light PDT [photodynamic therapy] over trichloroacetic acid peel."
In 2017, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery published recommendations on the use of several skin treatments following a course of isotretinoin, a treatment for severe cystic acne.18, Previously, a number of cosmetic skin treatments, including chemical peels, were discouraged for 6 months after the use of isotretinoin. These 2017 guidelines evaluated various treatments in the context of scarring and found that superficial chemical peels were safe as a treatment either concurrent with isotretinoin or within 6 months of its discontinuation. The lack of data on medium or deep chemical peels did not permit the Society to make a recommendation on those treatments.
Not applicable.
There is no national coverage determination. In the absence of a national coverage determination, coverage decisions are left to the discretion of local Medicare carriers.
Some currently unpublished trials that might influence this review are listed in Table 4.
NCT No. | Trial Name | Planned Enrollment | Completion Date |
Ongoing | |||
NCT04429308 | PDT Versus the Combination of Jessner's Solution and 35% TCA for Treatment of Actinic Keratoses on Upper Extremities: A Randomized Controlled Split-arm Trial | 60 | December 2025 |
Codes | Number | Description |
---|---|---|
CPT | 15788 | Chemical peel, facial, epidermal |
15789 | Chemical peel, facial, dermal | |
15792 | Chemical peel, nonfacial epidermal | |
15793 | Chemical peel, nonfacial, dermal | |
17360 | Chemical exfoliation for acne | |
HCPCS | No code | |
ICD-10-CM | D48.5 | Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin |
L57.0 | Actinic keratosis | |
L70.0 | Acne vulgaris | |
L70.1 | Acne conglobata | |
L70.9 | Acne, unspecified | |
ICD-10-PCS | ICD-10-PCS would only be used if the procedure is done inpatient | |
3E00XTZ | Introduction, skin and mucous membranes, external, destructive agent | |
Type of Service | Therapy | |
Place of Service | Physician’s office |
Date | Action | Description |
01/15/2025 | Annual Review | Policy updated with literature review through October 25, 2024; reference added. Policy statements unchanged. |
01/12/2024 | Annual Review | Policy updated with literature review through November 3, 2023; reference added. Policy statements unchanged. |
01/03/2023 | Annual review | Policy updated with literature review through September 19, 2022; no references added. Not medically necessary language changed to Investigational and other minor policy statement refinements made; intent unchanged. |
01/12/2022 | Annual review | Policy updated with literature review through September 20, 2021; references added. Policy statements unchanged. |
01/13/2021 | Annual review | Policy updated with literature review through October 23, 2020; references added. Policy statements unchanged. |
01/14/2020 | Annual review | Policy updated with literature review through October 14, 2019; no references added. Policy statements unchanged. |
01/14/2019 | Annual review | Policy updated with literature review through October 1, 2018; no references added. Policy statements unchanged. |
08/09/2018 | ||
11/04/2016 | ||
07/09/2015 | ||
07/11/2013 | Add references | |
11/05/2012 | Created | New policy |