The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has announced a significant update to its position on remote prescribing in aesthetic practice, with new guidance set to take effect from June 1, 2025.
Nurse and midwife independent prescribers must conduct face-to-face consultations before prescribing non-surgical cosmetic medicines, including certain anti-wrinkle injectables and items typically included in aesthetic emergency kits
The move follows extensive research and stakeholder engagement, which highlighted public safety concerns around the current inconsistencies in the regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The updated stance aims to bring the NMC’s approach in line with other UK health and care regulators, strengthening professional standards in the sector.
Public support for enhanced safeguards
Commissioned in 2024, independent research carried out by insight agency Thinks explored public attitudes toward remote prescribing in aesthetics. Participants included individuals with and without experience of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The findings were reinforced through a roundtable discussion hosted by the NMC, attended by a diverse group comprising regulated prescribers, aesthetic practitioners (both regulated and unregulated), and cosmetic business owners.
Key findings from the research included:
- Broad support for the NMC’s move to enhance its position to better protect the public.
- Widespread lack of awareness among patients regarding how cosmetic medicines are sourced and prescribed, especially when treatments are delivered by non-healthcare professionals.
- Concerns over the accessibility of such procedures within unregulated environments, with uncertainty around the qualifications of those administering treatments.
- Some resistance from industry stakeholders, particularly business owners, who argued that video consultations should remain acceptable and voiced concerns that the requirement for in-person assessments may be outdated.
Balancing innovation with safety
Despite differing opinions, the NMC maintains that requiring in-person consultations strengthens patient safety and reinforces public trust in nursing and midwifery practice. In a statement, NMC assistant director of education and standards Anne Trotter commented: “Following our research and engagement, we’re confident that our updated position on the remote prescribing of non-surgical cosmetic medicines is in the best interests of public safety and protection. 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.”
The NMC has issued updated guidance under its ‘Useful information for prescribers’ resource to support professionals in adapting to the change. Employers and aesthetic businesses employing nurse or midwife prescribers are encouraged to review their operating models in preparation for the new requirements.
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