Remote prescribing of cosmetic injectables is set to be banned within weeks in a landmark move to better protect the public.
From 1 June, anyone seeking treatment such as botulinum toxin or fillers must have a direct appointment with a medical professional.
Before now, substances used in these types of non-surgical cosmetic procedures (NSCPs) could be prescribed to non-medical practitioners without the need to meet with the individual it is being used on.
The practice has been highlighted as a grey area in regulations that can put people at greater risk of botched treatments.
The British Beauty Council, of which Cosmetics Business is a patron, has backed calls for tighter regulation for years along with others in the industry, including the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), and both have welcomed the move.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has updated its position on the practice after launching research into the issue last year.
Nurse or midwife prescribers must have a face-to-face meeting with the intended recipient before prescribing any products used for elective NSPCs.
Remote methods such as telephone, email, online, video or communication via a third-party will not be allowed.
They must undertake and document an appropriate clinical assessment with the recipient, at initial consultation and subsequent ones, including follow-ups.
Any nurse or midwife found to be remotely prescribing after 1 June risks being struck off the NMC register.
Anne Trotter, NMC Assistant Director of Education and Standards, said the organisation will work with stakeholders, professionals, employers and the public as it brings the new requirement into effect.
“Following our research and engagement, we are confident that our updated position on the remote prescribing of non-surgical cosmetic medicines is in the best interests of public safety and protection,” she said.
“Nursing and midwifery prescribers provide competent and effective care to people every day.
“Face-to-face consultations will further improve their ability to assess people holistically and ensure non-surgical cosmetic medicines are prescribed as safely and appropriately.”
Similar guidelines were brought in by the General Medical Council in 2012 banning doctors from remotely prescribing products for NSCPs.
In 2021, a ban on Botox and fillers for teenagers under the age of 18 was introduced.
What does the industry say?
Victoria Brownlie MBE, Chief Policy and Sustainability Officer at the British Beauty Council
“The British Beauty Council strongly welcomes the NMC’s new guidance which will provide much needed clarity to stamp out remote prescribing.
“We have long advocated for higher standards and greater public safety when it comes to non-surgical cosmetic procedures – especially when it comes to injectables.
“For us this means robust training, regulated qualifications, mandatory insurance, premises standards and inspections across all of the UK.
“This will instill greater public confidence in the treatments and services offered.”
David Sines, CBE, Chair of the JCCP
“The JCCP has campaigned rigorously for professional statutory regulators to embargo and sanction the use of remote prescribing for non-surgical elective procedures.
“We consider that the cessation of such practices is a central requirement to ensure patient safety and public protection within the context of any future scheme of statutory licensing and regulation for the aesthetics sector in the UK.
‘The JCCP, in partnership with the British Beauty Council, has persistently and consistently called upon the UK Government, and the associated Government Professional Statutory Regulators, responsible for the regulation of all UK Prescribers to prohibit the practice of remote prescribing for medicines used as part of any form of elective non-surgical cosmetic procedural process.
“This announcement is a significant step forward in public protection.”
Lesley Blair MBE, Chair and CEO of British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC)
“We fully support the NMC’s new guidance on face-to-face prescribing for cosmetic procedures.
“This long-overdue step prioritises patient safety, reinforces professional accountability and aligns with our ongoing commitment to raising standards across the beauty sector.
“At Babtac, we have long championed the need for robust regulation to protect both practitioners and the public.
“As a not-for-profit, self-regulatory body, our mission is to promote excellence, ensure consumer safety and elevate the professionalism of our industry.
“Clear, consistent guidelines like these are essential in reducing risks, eliminating unsafe practices and building greater public trust in the sector.”